Anti-nuclear bill

Press, 5 December 1985, Page 20

Anti-nuclear bill

Sir,—The good reputation of “The Press” for political impartiality and fairness of reporting is now i under some threat by the opinions expressed by its Oliver Riddell. This gentleman, seen also recently television, is increasingly giving a Right-wing bias to his reporting of current affairs, and is now on record (December 3) stating that Labour’s 18 point lead over National in opinion polls shows simply some disaffection with National rather than support for Labour. Mr Riddell, as an intelligent individual, should know that National will continue to founder while it continues to support nuclear weapon bases in New Zealand, and Labour’s anti-nuclear position is well supported throughout the country.— Yours, etc.,

R. L. PLUCK. Tai Tapu, December 3, 1985.

Sir, — Your editorials continue to expose the fact that “The Press” is just as much in need of making real peace studies as are school-

children. Inherent in such studies is recognition of the fact that there is no basis for regarding A.N.Z.U.S. as having anything to do with genuine defence. There is, however, plenty of reason to regard it as the window-dressing for United States use of New Zealand and Australia as part of the first strike plans it stills refuses to renounce. The U.S.S.R. and China have renounced first strike intentions. These points were completely ignored in a United States television programme shown on the World Tonight sessions during the summit period, just before the talks started. This programme amounted to propaganda on behalf of “Star Wars,” which is by no means the recent concept it purports to be. Implicit in the whole editorial is the false idea that participation in a nuclear weapons-based alliance with the United States is a guarantee of peace. — Yours, etc., R. TATE. December 3, 1985.