The Falklands

Press, 21 May 1982, Page 12

The Falklands

Sir,—Mr Rowling’s outburst about the Prime Minister not consulting Parliament or advising the people about the Falklands crisis is sheer hypocrisy. Since when have ’ the people been consulted in wartime? I well remember the almost hysterical patriotism of the Labour Government in 1939—many of its members being men who had preferred jail to service in 1917, and when criticised about it brought in Emergency Regulations (1940) to make it an offence to mention it. Their conscription regulations were also contrary to previous philosophy. Mr Rowling has surely not forgotten this?—Yours, etc., J. C. KING. May 25, 1982.

Sir,—While one must agree with Mr Sadler (May 19) that the forceful annexation of the Falklands by Argentina is wrong, it must surely be conceded that Argentina has some claim to sovereignty over the Falklands. The Falklands are as much a part of Argentina as the Chathams are to New Zealand. Nor is Britain entirely without fault; successive British governments have procrastinated and shelved the issue. The situation became explosive and blew up. Let us all hope and pray that the conflict does not develop into an all-out war and reach the point of no return.—Yours,- etc., R. WEBSTER. May. 20, 1982.

Sir,—l was amazed to learn from TV’s “Eye Witness” programme of last evening (May 18) that our Prime Minister has assured the British public that military assistance is being offered to Britain in the Falkland Islands dispute with the full knowledge and support of the people of New Zealand. Surely, in a true democracy, such a momentous decision with its possible far-reaching consequences should be discussed by Parliament as a whole? The blatant cynicism of Mr Muldoon’s implication that only National Party M.P.s reflect the wishes of the people of New Zealand is spine chilling. Let us hope, that should it come to the crunch, only fighting men who are members of the National Party will be posted to the area of conflict. The "no comment” reaction of elected public servants in this matter is the true measure of the dictatorship under which we ourselves are living. — Yours, etc., ARTHUR MAY. . May 19, 1982.