The Falklands

Press, 24 May 1982, Page 18

The Falklands

Sir,—Just for once I agree with Arthur May. I do not think that New Zealanders want to be involved in Britain’s fight. Mr Muldoon’S posturing in London is just an ego thing to impress his big sister. I think we all know in our hearts that Britain would not want to come to our aid if we were invaded. The United States might or might not. Let Britain go to her E.E.C. friends for assistance. This thing is not worth one New Zealand life nor one British one either. — Yours, etc., F. STRINGER. May 20, 1982.

Sir,—lf only one frigate, puffing around the Indian Ocean, is involved in Mr Muldoon’s proinise of "military assistance” to the British why all -the arrogant secrecy before he left this country? In terms of hysteria, Mr Muldoon could be seen to have acted in its precise context particularly in view of the absence of such impetuosity by the leaders of Australia and Canada. The possible ultimate consequences of involvement are totally different from what they were 43 years ago and one would have thought that Mr Muldoon would have proceeded with necessary decorum. I am cynically suspicious of his yes-men with their quick change from arrogant “no comment” to their rubber stamping of the accomplished fact of Mr Muldoon’s promise of military assistance of which that lone frigate could well be the thin edge of a much wider wedge.* Time alone will tell. — Yours, etc ARTHUR MAY. May 21, 1982.