‘Sandcastle N.Z.'

Press, 12 March 1985, Page 18

‘Sandcastle N.Z.'

Sir,—l accept your assurance that “The Press” has not been lunching with Mr Monroe Browne and trust you accept mine, that the peace movement is not controlled by subtle and devious minds, but by simple people who want a simple solution. However, the actual attitude of “The Press” is not clear, as the editorials vary so much. In 1983 National M.P., Doug Kidd, was urging that we must do something; not just sit around. The Government is doing just that, but National in Opposition politicises against it. The classic example of deterrence was the Cuban crisis of 1962. The United States had 1000 missiles, the U.S.S.R. somewhat fewer. Twentytwo years later the numbers have multiplied about 30 times. How many in another 22 years? The Western Alliance is based on a “sandcastle” too — the Soviet menace.—Yours, etc., VERNON WILKINSON. March 8, 1985.

Sir,—l object to your sandcastle editorial. New Zealand is a completely secure country because of its isolation. No country capable of invading would bother because the distances involved would make it so expensive, when there is little to be gained. Banning nuclear warships increases our security. Their presence makes us targets. The United States has a trade surplus with us, we buy more from them than they buy from us. Trade sanctions would ultimately harm them more than us. The E.E.C. has always restricted access to New Zealand products. New Zealand has a great potential to increase trade of nuclear-free and organic foods. The media is irresponsible in trying to panic the public over our “lack of security” and “threats to trade.” — Yours, etc.,

GUY HART. March 8, 1985.

Sir,—The fearful imagery in “The Press” editorial of March 6, can usefully be reversed. For example, many New Zealanders do agree with the Government’s recent decisions. The Government needs to be told it is right. The nuclear warships ban is probably the most positive foreign policy move since our recognition of China. If New Zealand decides not to be a member of the Western alliance it will no longer be nuclear threatened and will no longer support the arms race. No special disfavour by the United States is being expressed, except that “the U.S. is working towards a change of Government in N.Z.” (“The Press,” March 6, page 9). New Zealand is joining the ranks of outcast countries like Sweden and Rumania. It may shortly be forced to seek economic help wherever it can — for example China and Russia, two of our biggest buyers of agricultural products. Think positive. — Yours, etc., R. M. SUGGATE, Hokitika. March 6, 1985.