Nuclear deterrence
Sir,-In my letter last Friday, the word American appeared to be directly in the 1982 A.N.Z.U.S. communique I quoted. My copy has the word in square brackets. New Zealand accepts, effectively, “. . regular and comprehensive [American] . . . naval visits . . . [and recognises] access by United States naval ships ... as a critical factor in .. . strategic deter-
rence.” That commitment no-one
can, or should try to, fudge. Christchurch Airport Authority statistics, researched by Mr Keith Burgess, also need consideration. In 1982, 126 American military aircraft unconnected with Antarctica landed here. Fifty-four per cent of the aircraft were Starlifters, which elsewhere routinely ferry nuclear weapons. The American Embassy refuses to confirm or deny any nuclear contents, which leaves the Russians only one way to cover themselves if a computer error sets off the holocaust. Positive neutrality would serve the interests of Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Americans themselves far better.—Yours, etc.,
J. GALLAGHER. March 4, 1984.
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Press, 6 March 1984, Page 20
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152Nuclear deterrence Press, 6 March 1984, Page 20
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