Russia in the Pacific

Press, 15 May 1985, Page 20

Russia in the Pacific

Sir, — Nick Lee-Frampton’s and John Pallet’s views of our defence strategy are pre-nuclear with fascist undertones. A.N.Z.U.S. or no A.N.Z.U.S., America would not standidly by and watch the Soviet build up a formidable naval base in the South Pacific. Apart from everything else it relies on communication bases for its “star-wars” strategy. Knowing American strength, and having had many expensive set-backs recently, the Soviets would dare no more than needle the U.S. Direct confrontation would be unthinkable. However, it suits America to build up a picture of Soviet naval penetration, to scare New Zealand back into accepting its ships again. The Government’s desire for a nuclear-free region is more symbolic of an aspiration than a practical proposition unless the other powers co-operate. It knows that it cannot prohibit the passage of surface or underwater nuclear warships without common agreement. — Yours, etc., VERNON WILKINSON. May 9, 1985.