Nuclear submarine launching

Press, 16 April 1979, Page 12

Nuclear submarine launching

Sir, — I share the concern of Peter Jones (April II) over the destructive potential of the new Trident submarines. Many people, however, may be content to view this threat complacently because of faith (hopefully well-placed), that they will not actually be used and the destruction will not be more than potential. But it should be remembered that even before being launched these vessels wreak very real destruction by tying up many billions of dollars that could be spent in more socially useful ways. Will New Zealanders’ reactions to these vessels show their priorities are better placed? — Yours, etc., J. D. MUMFORD. April 11, 1979.

Sir, — The question and answer regarding safety of reactors on nuclear-powered ships (“The Press,” April 12) is beside the point in regard to nuclear submarines. The important question is: Are we willing to become an accessory to the greatest scheme for mass murder yet devised? The first of a projected 30 Trident submarines has just been launched, amid protest, in the United States; If completed it will be capable of causing 408 Hiroshima disasters and of launching them from near New Zealand. Submarines of

the type that have visited are part of the scheme as protectors of the missile launchers. Unless we refuse to harbour any part of this vile programme, we will share the guilt and become targets, ourselves. This is the primary reason for rejecting visits by any vessels connected with nuclear warfare preparations. — Yours, JIM McCAHON, Rangiora. April 12, 1979.