Nuclear-free vision praised

Press, 5 December 1988, Page 22

Nuclear-free vision praised

Adhering to the vision of a world without nuclear weapons is the most important contribution the New Zealand Government and people can make to reducing global nuclear risk, according to a leading Canterbury defence observer.

Dr Kevin Clements’s claim is made in his new book, “Back From The Brink,” a study of New Zealand’s role in the nuclear age. Dr Clements, a member of the 1986 Defence Committee of Inquiry, is a lecturer in sociology at the University of Canterbury. His book was officially launched at a function at the university staff club. Dr Clements’ book drew praise from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Marshall, who sent a special message to the function, and from the member ot Parliament for Lyttelton. Dr Peter Simpson, who spoke at the function.

As well as reviewing the background of NewZealand’s campaign against nuclear weapons. Dr Clements offers several areas where he believes New Zealand should maintain a momentum on arms control and disarmament.

These include maintaining pressure on France to stop nuclear tests in the Pacific and joint action with Australia through the United Nations General Assembly to urge the nuclear powers to negotiate bigger reductions in their nuclear arsenals. He affirms that New Zealand must join other countries in preventing an arms race in space.