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Nuclear Free NZ letter to Editor

Comment by Larry Ross, July 6, 2005

At 198 words, this letter No 1 exceeds 150 word limit of The Christchurch Press. See letter No 2, which takes it down to 150 words. However I invite readers to use letter No 1 or 2 and amend as required for other publications. It is vitally necessary to support and publicise reasons to keep NZ Nuclear Free as the pressure to scrap or amend the NZ Nuclear Free law is increasing. Inform and support nuclear-free MPs and educate others

" US Ambassador Fires Nuclear Parting Shots"

The Press, July 5, 2005, page A7

Sir,

In answer to U.S. Ambassador Swindells (July 5) the theory that humanity must exist under the threat of global nuclear destruction for reasons of security was rejected by New Zealanders when they enacted the Nuclear Free Act in 1987. In spite of the end of the cold war, why do Russia and the U.S. still have thousands of nuclear missiles ready for instant launch against each other.

This so-called 'nuclear deterrent' can fail at any time due to accident, miscalculation, computer error or intention. The military bases or ports in any country used for the warships of nuclear powers can become nuclear targets. Nuclear weapon-free warships can be rearmed with nuclear weapons at any time.

Nuclear risks are greater today due to

1. the increase in nuclear weapon states
2. US trashing or downgrading of international disarmament treaties such as the ABM, NPT and CTBT
3. Statements that the US may use nuclear weapons in battlefield situations, initiated by local military commanders
4. Planning new nuclear weapons and testing
5. Starting illegal wars without justification and planning more.

These are some reasons why New Zealand's nuclear free laws must stay, while we explore ways NZ-US 'very, very good' relationships can "move on" and improve.

Larry Ross,

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SHORT VERSION

The Press
Christchurch

July 7, 20005

From Larry Ross
51 A Parklands Drive
Christchurch
Phone 337-0118


Re: " US Ambassador fires nuclear parting shots" The Press, July 5, 2005, page A7

Sir,
Ambassador Swindells (July 5) US warships represent the belief that humanity must exist under the threat of global nuclear destruction for reasons of security. This horrendous proposition was rejected by New Zealanders. Although the cold war has ended, Russia and the U.S. still have thousands of nuclear missiles on hair-trigger alert aimed at against each other, ready to launch due to accident, miscalculation, computer error, or madness. US military bases or warship ports in any country, can become nuclear targets. Warships can be nuclear rearmed. Nuclear risks are greater today due to proliferation, US trashing international disarmament treaties, willingness to use nuclear weapons in conventional wars, starting illegal wars without justification.

New Zealand's nuclear free laws should remain, but let's explore ways NZ-US 'very, very good' friendship can improve further.

Larry Ross,
Secretary
NZ Nuclear Free Peacemaking Ass'n

PS. This letter has not been sent elsewhere