Antarctica and A.N.Z.U.S.

Press, 14 January 1986, Page 20

Antarctica and A.N.Z.U.S.

Sir,—United States Congressman Stratton says, “Without the United States there is no defence capability.” Is there not? Since when did fear accomplish ought but a continuation of conflict? Attempts at bullying and bribery — for whatever reason — only show up a suspicion of selfish motivation. Attempts at preserving only one’s self and implementing one’s own designs, all at the possible expense of others, is not countenanced in private life — why should it be considered sane or healthy between nations? Especially when a handful of leaders express views different from those reported as being held by the vast majority of their people. Similarly, just because two people were helpmates or allies in the past, this surely does not justify halting peace and progress by trying to gloss over a divergence in moral direction and priorities in the present. I cannot believe that maintaining a suspicious stance, with one’s hand on one’s holster, can possibly be conducive to co-operat-ing towards peace. — Yours, etc., N. MILANOVICH. January 11, 1986.

Sir,—The United States Senator’s threat to shift the base from Harewood if anti-nuclear legislation is passed is a clear admission that the operation is not the innocent non-military exercise they claim. In any case they would cut off their noses to spite their face. They enjoy free landing rights, a peppercorn rental and excellent back-up engineering support. There are plenty of others who would willingly pay to use our facilities, with the growing interest in Antarctica. Although the United States was reluctant to condemn texrorism in New Zealand and

frequently threatens sanctions against us, it is not slow to ask for our support when its interests are affected. This is a lesson to New Zealanders that United States interests will always come first, regardless of A.N.Z.U.S. or any other treaties. — Yours, etc., E. L. BARCLAY. January 12, 1986. Sir,—First an ambassador and now senators presume to put pressure upon New Zealand with what amounts to blackmail over A.N.Z.U.S. and the ship ban. Surely such actions should convince the public that the former is a liability and the latter a necessity? We have seen the United States Administration shooting off its collective mouth against Libya, Nicaragua, the Philippines and so forth for long enough. More and more of the world has had enough of this posturing and threatening, not least the man in the street of New Zealand. More and more countries are refusing to house the American war machine. We are not alone. So the latest screw to be applied is the Deep Freeze facility. If the United States pulls it out, the facility could be offered to the Soviets for a scientific base without military or political involvement. We may even find it to our advantage to do just that. It would at least be a change of background noise. — Yours, etc., Mrs A. J. FLANAGAN. January 11, 1986.