N.Z. security

Press, 30 July 1986, Page 20

N.Z. security

Sir, —I disagree with the whole theme of Air Vice-Marshal I. G. Morrison’s speech (July 26). While I agree that New Zealand is indefensible against major attack, I cannot realistically see any nation launching a major attack upon us. Indeed the only act of military aggression carried out in our country was committed by an ally, an act that A.N.Z.U.S. was powerless to prevent. In the event of a major global conflict I see the use of nuclear weapons as inevitable and world survival negligible. A.N.Z.U.S. will be powerless to protect or assist us. I think the stand that we, as a nation, are making against the nuclear madness is very significant. Someone, somewhere, has to say: “Enough, no more.” It is vital to give that message to all nuclear powers and to encourage them to take positive steps towards a balanced eradication of all nuclear weapons. The sabrerattling about communist subversion and destabilisation in our country is just that .— designed to produce misguided patriotic fervour and zeal. — Yours, etc., MARK A. ALEXANDER. July 27, 1986.

Sir, —Retired Air Vice-Mar-shal I. G. Morrison (July 26) still thinks that pre-Hiroshima military values are useful to society. When based on nuclear weapons, “security” and “defence” mean death to all human life on Earth.

I believe I am loyal to my country when I decide that I will not have nuclear weapons targetted on any population in my name.—Yours, etc.,

RHONA THORPE. July 27, 1986.