‘Sandcastle N.Z.’

Press, 12 March 1985, Page 18

‘Sandcastle N.Z.’

Sir,—l am appalled at the tone and content of your editorial of March 6. In your anxiety to restore the nuclear connection, you assert that we can expect a marked decline in our standard of living as a consequence of the decision to exclude from our ports nucleararmed and powered ships. What evidence do you have for such a sweeping claim? Secondly, it is perverse to argue as you do that our independence will be lost as a result of Government policy. I should have thought that the reverse would be the case. Finally, the denial of port access to all nuclear ships does not mean that New Zealand is in the process of withdrawal from the West. That you should suggest that this is so is to grossly misrepresent the significance of the decision. — Yours, etc.,

ANDREAS ENG. March 7, 1985.

Sir,—l must applaud your editorial of March 6. The fools who control our foreign affairs are surely living in a fantasy world. Mr Lange’s dangerous propaganda mission overseas has angered our main allies and draws praise from Russia and some of the near nations. His claim to have a mandate from the people for his action is nonsense. He “does not want to ' live under a nuclear umbrella”; well he’s living under it right now and has done for 40 years. He and his deputy should take their defensive bows and arrows to the South Pole where they should be safe until the Antarctic rush commences, i.e. if the Americans condescend to transport them. — Yours, etc., PHILIP ELLIS. March 8, 1985.