Why Russia Doesn't Threaten West

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1949, Page 5

Why Russia Doesn't Threaten West

AUCKLAND, Sat. (P.A.).—“We stand for the defence of New Zealand, but not for the defence of Wall Street or London,” said Mr V. Wilcox, Dominion organiser of the Communist Party, at an open air meeting in Auckland last nightHe blamed the United States for the present money crisis, and spent some time discussing finance at a gathering which was called to discuss compulsory training.

After frequent heckling he appealed for a fair hearing and, when interjections continued, he assured thqse responsible that the Prime Minister would get the same reception when he spoke in Auckland next Tuesday night. “The Communist Party deplores conscription In Russia, as it deplores it anywhere,” he said. “But Russia is menaced, and New Zealand is not.” A voice: Who menaces her? Mr Wilcox: American leaders have said they would like to see a bomb dropped on the Kremlin. (Cheers.) Mr Wilcox challenged anyone to produce a report of a similar threat by a responsible Russian leader against Washington, London or Auckland. A voice: They haven’t got the atomic bomb. That’s why. Cheers for the Prime Minister ended the meeting. A meeting by the New Zealand Peace and Anti-Conscription Federation at Devonport was noted for a barrange of interjections by British immigrants from a near-by hostel. Mr R- Armstrong. Independent candidate for North Shore at the coming elections, was heckled for half an hour and drowned by the song, “Why was he Born so Beautiful?” (JIBES, JEERS.—PAGE 7.)