Central America

Press, 27 July 1983, Page 14

Central America

Sir,—The world has seen the build-up of United States military advisers, “Green Berets” and other American forces in Honduras and El Salvador in recent months. Now, with despair, we read of aircraftcarriers and a warship patrolling Central American coasts, largescale preparations for landing transport and fighter planes in Honduras, and proposals to get Congressional approval for even higher levels of military aid to El Salvador. Reagan’s treatment of Central America as an East-West battleground is escalating the tension there, without taking account of the real roots of the conflict, i.e. the needs for freedom and social justice. In contrast to this negative attitude, the objectives of the Contadora presidents are: peace, democracy, political pluralism and economic co-operation to resolve social injustice. The United States could contribute greatly to longterm peace in the region if it worked within the framework of these objectives. But Reagan is belligerent. — Yours, etc., CATHERINE OWENS, Latin American Group, Christchurch. July 23. 1983.