A.N.Z.U.S. Treaty

Press, 16 July 1982, Page 12

A.N.Z.U.S. Treaty

Sir, — A.N.Z.U.S. is no use against the greatest potential menace in the Pacific — the resurgence of Japanese militarism. The Japanese constitution renounces military resources, but the United States presses repeatedly for increased potential for the socalled “self-defence” forces, expanding army divisions from 9000 to 13,000 men, and seeking more naval responsibility to replace American warships needed for the Persian Gulf adventure. Understandably Japan’s . constitution bars nuclear weapons, but ’ its leadership has to accept United • States nuclear.armed warships in its territorial waters and harbours, and nuclear strikeforce aircraft on its airfields. When Prime Minister Suzuki visited Washington last year, the joint communique spoke of the “alliance.” New Zealand must be vigilant regarding the possibility, if America becomes militarily involved in Europe and the Middle East, of Japan policing the Pacific, with the unthinkable “peaceful” garrisoning of this country. But no harassment of drivers of Japanese cars, please.— Yours, etc.,

VARIAN J. WILSON. July 13, 1982.