U.S. and Libya

Press, 14 January 1986, Page 20

U.S. and Libya

Sir,—As I watch developments in the United States-Libya affair I wonder just why we have been asked to place sanctions on our trade links. Is this a testing ground for our reliability as an ally? If so, it is a very dangerous move. I consider that sanctions will do more damage to New Zealand relations in Africa than we imagine. The United States has not seen fit to place sanctions on France for the terrorism in Auckland harbour, and in any case I cannot see this action doing any more to lessen world tension — rather the reverse. There will not be a drop in terrorism around the world by this move. It will just give more resolve to political groups opposed to United States involvement, therefore creating more trouble. I urge the Government and people of New Zealand to reject this request. — Yours, etc., NEVILLE WALKER. January 11, 1986.

Sir,—Although Western States are keen to bolster and stabilise their precarious economies by participation in the lucrative multibillion technological development of the “star-wars” project they, together with the powerful Arab States, refused to go along with even a minor economic boycott of Gadaffi’s Libya. In fact, Libya appears to have overwhelming support in both the West and East, so much so that even Weinberger has retreated from his virulently hawkish position and advised caution. This pro-Libyan support is much greater than we in the West have been led to believe. If even minimal support cannot be organised for economic sanctions against one Arab State then how much less would more drastic action be supported, say a military strike? The pro-life peace psyche of humankind is overwhelming the evil pro-death psyche supportive of planetary desolation. — Yours, etc., W. J. COLLINS. January 12, 1986.