Subversion

Press, 8 December 1987, Page 16

Subversion

Sir, —Geoff McDonald’s statement that “the one who leaves the door open gets the blame” is certainly true to life and, despite what M. Burke says (December 3), is a good analogy of New Zealand’s position as a nation whose Government has taken a neutral stance with regard to our former ally, the United States. By throwing out the A.N.Z.U.S. pact and banning United States naval ships from our ports we have closed the door on their coming to our aid at any time when that may be considered necessary. Neither can Britain come to our assistance with its navy because the British also have nuclear-powered ships. I am certainly pleased that Susan Taylor says (December 2) that she will read Geoff McDonald’s book, “The Kiwis at the Crossroads.” I would like to hear her comments, particularly about what Mr Geoff McDonald has to say about reading, writing and arithmetic. — Yours, etc., (Mrs) MARY LOVELL. December 5,1987. Sir,—l am still awaiting a challenge to any of the evidence in my books. This applies to subversion in New Zealand whether it be written instructions from Moscow to New Zealand communists on long-range plans to establish a separate nation for Maoris as contained in "The

Kiwis at the Crossroads” or anything else I have written about. Instead, R. L. Pluck (December 3) talks about me seeing "Reds lurking under ... beds.” Where I have mentioned Moscow’s plans or those of local communists I have quoted what they themselves have said. Likewise, concerning the National Council of Churches’ political operations, humanist organisations’ influence on the education system or anyone else, I have always quoted from their sources as to what they say themselves. It is a poor substitute to try ridicule instead of looking at the evidence. After all, it is a serious matter. We are discussing New Zealand’s defence and internal security. — Yours, etc., GEOFF MCDONALD. December 4,1987.

Sir, —In stating that she would like to borrow a copy of Geoff McDonald’s book, “The Kiwis at the Crossroads,” Susan Taylor (December 2) said: “The Soviets probably did advise New Zealand communists on overthrowing capitalism here.” I hope Susan Taylor does manage to borrow a copy of “The Kiwis at the Crossroads” because what she says above goes a significant way towards agreeing with what Geoff McDonald says. What is alarming about the quotations Mr McDonald gives from documents originating in Moscow and backup evidence of quotes from New Zealand communists during the 1930 s about the necessity to fight for Maori sovereignty and political independence from the whites, including setting up separate Maori republics, is that the statements are the same as those being made today. I will be looking forward to reading what Susan Taylor has to say after she has read “The Kiwis at the Crossroads.” i— Yours, etc., VERN TYREE. December 3, 1987.