Anti-terrorist training

Press, 27 February 1984, Page 20

Anti-terrorist training

Sir,—l find it unsettling that the national anti-terrorist squad exercised at Lyttelton wharves in what was obviously intended as a practice run against nuclear warship protests. The exercise was reported to simulate a scenario in which “anti-American” protests are aimed at “forcing the Government to concede certain political demands.” The peace movement is not in my experience anti-American, nor does it have a record of resorting to violence, but has a healthy aversion to nuclear weapons. The numerous nuclear warship visits planned are designed to test the stamina and patience of the majority of New Zealanders who support a nuclear-weapon-free New Zealand. The powers that be anticipate that a frustrated element will resort to violent tactics. The Government may also be secretly wishing the people v. Government

conflict over nuclear warship visits will be solved by reducing the issue to one of law and order. — Yours, etc., JULIE ENGELS. February 23, 1984.

Sir,—The anti-terrorist training exercise reported in “The Press” on February 23, is an ominous indicator of the Government’s anticipations of future trends. It is already clear that the National Party, acting out of economic selfinterest, is prepared to sacrifice this country to American nuclear war plans. Under a 1982 agreement the Minister of Defence, Mr Thomson, is prepared to enthusiastically welcome the presence of American nuclear-armed ships and planes. Yet, in his typical double-talk fashion, he claims that New Zealand is not a nuclear target, because we have no worth-while military targets. Instead, Mr Thomson will thoughtfully remedy this deficiency by inviting in the American war machine at the appropriate time. National has shown no concern about the fate of the civilian population in such a situation. — Yours, etc., D. K. SMALL. February 23, 1984.