U.S. view of N.Z.

Press, 2 November 1985, Page 18

U.S. view of N.Z.

Sir,—A year ago a visiting American, who had had first-hand experience of United States pressure on Nicaragua, laid a small wager that New Zealand would not be able to withstand the United States assault on its nuclear ban policy for a year. In the letter received yesterday containing his stake, “won fair and square,” he made the following comment: “We here in the U.S. are impressed with N.Z.’s spunky response to U.S. pressure, and with the N.Z. constabulary for cracking the Greenpeace case and forcing the French to admit their wrongdoing. Keep up the good work.” This and Phyllis L. Hansen’s letter to “The Press” (October 31), are indicative of grass roots support in the United States for our stand.— Yours, etc.,

A. J. CAMPBELL. October 31, 1985.

Sir,—l welcome the letter in “The Press” on October 31 by an American, Phyllis Hansen. Regardless of the views expressed by the departing United States Ambassador, the Hellaby group of businessmen, Australia’s Mr Fraser and others, it is the view of the common man which is important. My wife and I recently toured Europe, returning via the United States. No matter in which village, town or city we were in, the views expressed were nearly always the same. When people knew that we were from New Zealand, the instant response was that they were delighted over New Zealand’s antinuclear stance, and hoped that we would stand firm on this vital issue. Regardless of who speaks against our policy, there is no doubt that New Zealand is seen as a shining light in the nuclear darkness.— Yours, etc., B. R. HANSEN. October 31, 1985.