New Zealand and Disarmament

Sir: We wish to bring to the notice of your readers a matter which we believe to be of importance to all people in this country.

Last year a petition concerning the need for the cessation of the use of nuclear weapons and for eventual disarmament was presented to the House of Representatives. The following, in essence, were its clauses:

1.	That disarmament is a condition of crucial importance for international peace.
2.	That all weapons of mass destruction, including atomic and hydrogen bombs, should be prohibited (with provision for internal inspection and control), and all other armaments should be drastically reduced.
3.	That immediate steps be taken to secure international agreement that no further nuclear weapons tests be held anywhere.
4.	Further, that since both Christian Church authorities and famous scientists have urged the need for agreement on the cessation of nuclear weapons tests and general disarmament, the House of Representatives should approve these policies and refer the decisions by the representatives of the New Zealand Government to the United Nations Assembly.

This petition was ‘referred to the Government for most favourable consideration’ by the Petitions Committee. The recommendation occasioned an unusually interesting debate, in which the House supported the petition.

We believe that this petition voices the deep misgivings of a majority in our country. Yet the building up of stockpiles of atomic missiles continues throughout the world. Britain has almost completed the development of her first megaton bomb. Christmas Island has now been chosen as a ground for new tests of nuclear weapons.

How long can our imaginations remain blind to the implications of the further testing of nuclear weapons? Can we support, even tacitly, the development of weapons which can bring about the incineration of great cities, genocide, and probably the hideous malformation of children yet to be born? Scientific opinion concerning the effects on man and nature of nuclear weapons tests is divided. It is not divided concerning the effects of warfare in which these weapons are used. An expression of the conscience of the common people of this country may have an effect far beyond the boundaries of race and ideas. Is it not time for us to urge our Government to implement,page 319 through its representative at the United Nations, a policy of which the House has already approved?

Andrew J. Johnston

James K. Baxter

Alun Richards

Wellington

1957 (158)