Policy on A.N.Z.U.S.

Press, 21 April 1979, Page 14

Policy on A.N.Z.U.S.

Sir, — The comments of the United States Ambassador, Mr Selden, have helped New Zealanders clarify their ideas about New Zealand’s future role in A.N.Z.U.S. We are to expect more visits by United States nuclear shipping. The Pacific region in general must expect an increase in the “capabilities of (United States) air and naval forces.” This confirms much speculation about United States military policy. The United States doctrine of “counter-force” or “firststrike” is hardly new, but the fact that Australasia under A.N.Z.U.S. must become an “integral part of (United States) strategic posture” describes more a position of acquiesence than alliance partnership. What the Ambassador describes is an,ever increasing political and nuclear-military influence that interferes in New Zealand party politics, that will demand that we accommodate the new generation Trident strategic submarine, and a situation that may yet see more “submarine Harrisburgs” like the U.S.S. Thresher, Scorpion and Nautilus submarine accidents. — Yours, etc., JOHN G. BOANAS. I April 19, 1979.

Sir, — The parting shots of the United States Ambassador were reckless in their disregard for public safety and the New Zealand democratic process. Apparently he is happy for Auckland to be the Harrisburg of the South Pacific. It is simply untrue that nuclear visits pose no hazards and United States ships have never had reactor accidents. There are numerous welldocumented instances of reactor leaks, collisions and even sinkings. (Why is the nuclear submarine U.S.S. Thresher at the bottom of the sea?) But of equal significance is the Ambassador’s interference in our internal politics. Mr Rowling states in Washington, his party’s policy of no nuclear visits. In true banana republic style, the Ambassador replies telling us what we are allowed to do and hinting at a beef-for-bombs trade-off. Do New Zealanders decide our future or is it the Pentagon? — Yours, etc., (Rev.) C. C. TREMEWAN. April 19, 1979.