“Nuclear dilemmas”

Press, 10 August 1985, Page 18

“Nuclear dilemmas”

Sir,—Your editorial, “Nuclear dilemmas,” notes correctly how a super-Power fetish with nuclear parity or supremacy continually supplants concern about humankind’s future. Correctly, you underline again the increasing likelihood of a nuclear war triggered off accidentally as nuclear-weapons delivery systems become increasingly intricate. In this precarious situation your editorial acknowledgement (January 24) that A.N.Z.U.S. membership, nuclear or not, can qualify New Zealand for nuclear-targeting is also highly relevant. First, it underlines effectively the electors’ incredulity that Jim McLay’s Nationals, including John Bateman, urge them to have faith in super-Power negotiations, and, amidst the increasing prospects of a nuclear exchange, to line up with one side against the other. Second, I look forward to your next editorial on A.N.Z.U.S. where, in taking account of such wellacknowledged realities, you logically call for an end to the ominous super-Power connection and begin defining a more constructive international role for New Zealand. — Yours etc., J. GALLAGHER. August 7, 1985.