Attack on Libya

Press, 22 April 1986, Page 20

Attack on Libya

Sir, —The article which appeared in “The Press” entitled “Terrorism — worst still to come” (April 17) gives a clear and realistic picture of the grave situation. World-wide terrorism is increasing at an alarming rate more vile and bloody than ever before. The State-sponsored terrorism of Libya, led by the Gadaffi regime who is mad for power and popularity, must be halted or thousands more of innocent people will suffer a cruel death. A world day of prayer is needed asking for Divine guidance in this awesome situation, led by the United States President, Mr Reagan. I always find God has got the right answer to my problems. — Yours, etc., A. DELHANTY. April 18, 1986.

Sir, — For too long we Americans have gritted our teeth and said nothing while little countries have spat in our face, kicked our shins and trodden on our toes, all

the while holding out their hand and saying “give me dollars, give me dollars.” If we are such an obnoxious, dedcadent people, why do people of all nations fight to gain entry to our country? Iran held our people hostage, Cuba emptied the mental wards and prison cells and dumped these poor souls on our shores. Mexico, our friendly neighbour, not only permits, but encourages the illegal crossing of her destitute people over our border. It was Colonel Gadaffi’s misfortune to be the arrogant little pipsqueak who put the straw on that broke the camel’s back. The United States has made a statement to all countries: Do not try to kick the United States’ shins again. We have had quite enough. — Yours, etc., BEATRICE PLUMMER. California,. April 18, 1986.

Sir, — It was horrifying to see a paranoid old man on a special telecast describing large-scale criminal aggression against a sovereign nation as American self-defence. I hate terrorism; I’m sure everybody does, but to see every terrorist act as Libyaninspired, directed at America, says something about Mr Reagan’s mental health. Most Libyan citizens are not involved but I’m sure they will now be anti-American because of the attacks. Sure, there are Libyan terrorists. Terrorism is multinational. By Mr Reagan’s criteria, bases where terrorists are C.1.A.-trained and armed to destabilise legitimate South American Governments now become lawful targets for counterstrikes, as do the airfields from which Britain permitted Fill terrorist missions to be flown. The whole scene could be summed up: “I gave Gadaffi till sundown to quit town. When he didn’t, well, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” — Yours, etc., A. W. WALLACE. April 16, 1986.

Sir, — I wouldn’t burn my neighbour’s house down in the dark of night because a member of his family had a contagious disease. If I did, I would be locked up as an insane criminal. 'A dangerous old lunatic is seek-

ing the world’s applause for bombing Libya, some of whose people train and arm terrorists (as does the C.1.A.). Don’t clap, please. — Yours, etc., REX KNIGHT. April 16, 1986. Sir, — W. J. Collins and Judith Robinson (April 19) display a legitimate concern at the goings-on versus Colonel Gadaffi whilecondemning two of our allied Powers which have exercised great restraint, given the circumstances. In previous conflicts we have chosen a (correct) side. Our Government of the moment has decreed we will become true socialists, economically and militarily, isolating ourselves in the process. However, the world spins on, and a crunch will come when once again we will be forced to ally ourselves against some new megalomaniac. I ask the casual reader: who would you prefer to have as a cobber? — Yours, etc., LLOYD HABGOOD. April 20, 1986.

Sir,—l read the international page of Saturday’s “Press” with an overwhelming sense of despair for a world being led to insanity by the United States. “The State Department emphasised United States-French co-operation in fighting terrorism ... While we have sometimes differed on the time and place of co-ordination against terrorism, there has never been any question of our agreement that international terrorism presents a fundamental threat against our shared values.” What a bitter, sick joke, this posing by two countries most profoundly implicated in State terrorism around the world. The other side of the page is even more outrageous. “A bill was introduced in the United States Senate yesterday that would empower the President to order certain military actions, including assassination, without first consulting Congress ... assassinating foreign leaders proven to be responsible for terrorism against Americans would be one option for the President.” Where will this spiral of violence end? — Yours, etc., JANE SEVERN. April 19, 1986.