N.Z. defence

Press, 17 December 1986, Page 20

N.Z. defence

Sir,—He “... took five smooth stones from the brook” (Samuel). While our Prime Minister goes bumbling across the international stage, we at home are having to read essays and editorials regarding the naked state of our defences. Really, we should be grateful to the P.M., who has made serious decisions without even referring to the wishes of the electorate. However, there is nothing to worry about as David, like his biblical namesake, can just pick up the old slingshot and sally forth to deal with any danger. Perhaps in the present economic mess he could be issued with only three, instead of the five, smooth stones from our armament stores. Any suggestions for running a competition to get a Mk II updated slingshot to be called the de Lange?— Yours, etc., A. K. WARREN. December 13, 1986.

Sir, —Mr Frank Corner, chairman of the Government Defence Committee of Inquiry, displays reactionary colours (December 13) when he would have us believe that New Zealand has been “hijacked” (his term) by a pro-communist peace movement. As a superannuitant with 26 years service in the armed forces (of which I am proud), I challenge Mr Corner to name the country against which we need American forces and arms to defend us. I fear Mr Corner is allowing himself to be an instrument of C.I.A. “disinformation,” as was accurately forecast by an ex-C.I.A. agent, Ralph McGehee, on his recent visit to this country.—Yours, etc., R. L. PLUCK. December 13, 1986.