Peace efforts

Press, 20 October 1986, Page 24

Peace efforts

Sir, — The approach of Bill Reid and Ray Spring is quite amusing, in the style of “1066 and All That,” such as using terms like “negotiations” or “discuss” to describe the meeting between the Roman heavyweight and the Carthaginian featherweight. I must ,admit,.too, that > I did a silly thing in answering Ray Spring’s silly question so I will try to be serious. I feel that Messrs Reid arid Spring are trying to draw a parallel between the third Carthaginian War and an event in this age of nuclear confrontation, which must refer to some sort of bullying such as the United States attitude to Cuba, Granada, Nicaragua or New Zealand. To J. P. Stuart (October 13), I agree that we should not vent our dislike of American policy on the American people but on their Administration. Whether it is true that people get the administration they deserve, I will leave to others to decide. — Yours, etc., VERNON WILKINSON. October 16, 1987.

Sir, — Not one of the three people following the Carthaginian correspondence believed my letter (October 13) about “peace in our time.” The Carthaginians had given their weapons to the Romans. After a few days the new Roman ultimatum came. They could leave with the minimum of possessions and rebuild Carthage 12 miles inland. It was betrayal by their leaders who had left them without weapons or allies. A people’s court was convened and the mob put the traitors to death. Fortunately unlike New Zealand, Carthage had a substantial industrial base. With new leaders they rearmed and continued the fight with Rome. Finally, Carthage fell, the city was totally destroyed and the remaining 50,000 inhabitants became slaves. The story is horrifying. It demonstrates what can happen when people’s desire for peace exceeds their common sense. — Yours, etc., RAY SPRING. October 16, 1986.