Laser-beam weapons

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 18

Laser-beam weapons

Sir, — I take a stronger view than Larry Ross and suggest that Adrian Berry’s article on laserbeam weapons in space (August 9), is very dangerous nonsense. The “space-wars” strategy marks another fantasy in the sequence of self-deception, promoted by President Reagan and his advisers. Nuclear weapons cannot be neutralised or made safe. The “nuclear winter” phenomenon, as well as the terrible immediate destructive power of the weapons, forces us to the conclusion that the only safe course lies in their abolition. The American leaders cannot seem to comprehend the obvious — the safety of the world requires the simple and patently less expensive step of extension of a hand of friendship to the' Soviet Union. A real detente could be reached, almost overnight if the United States agreed to withdraw cruise and Pershing missiles from Western Europe. This would be the first step in the long haul back to global safety and sanity. — Yours, etc., COLIN BURROWS. August 13, 1984.

Sir, — At a time when the Labour Government is taking such encouraging steps towards world peace with its firm stand on the nuclear-free issue, it is with disappointment that I read Adrian Berry’s article (August 9) about Ronald Reagan’s new “defence” plan. Mr Berry’s argument in support of the proposed laser system is simplistic and based on blind technological optimism. It is known that the Reagan Administration instructs its armed forces to devise plans for defeating the Soviet Union in a nuclear war. The United States military strategy is designed for first-strike — an attempt to destroy the Soviet Union’s ability to respond. A space-based laser defence system would represent an effective addition to this strategy

rather than a peace initiative. Peace becomes more than a platitude when faith in technology gives way to an atmosphere of trust and co-operation. — Yours, etc., ROGER MELVIN.