U.S. and President Marcos

Press, 4 February 1986, Page 20

U.S. and President Marcos

Sir,—United States administrators have decided “not to push Marcos from power by covert means or by public attacks on him” (“The Press,” January 28). Instead, the policy will apparently be to distance the United States from its “old ally” by questioning his performance on economic and military changes. For a nation such as America to even consider these options, especially “covert action,” to unseat another country’s Government, should be unbelievable, yet it happens. What about New Zealand? Will the C.I.A. declare its options for our Government’s future? Our ally needs watching. In the A.N.Z.U.S. treaty (article 1) the parties undertake “... to settle any international disputes ... by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered ...” and “to refrain from the threat or use of force ...”. A.N.Z.U.S., like 5.E.A.T.0., has fallen victim to American national interests and so too has Marcos and now Libya. — Yours, etc. CHRIS KING. Waikuku Beach, January 29, 1986.