Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 20, No. 7. 30th May, 1957
V.U.C. Gives Lead
V.U.C. Gives Lead
It is to be hoped that in future N.Z.U.S.A. will take a more generous line of approach towards the genuine grievances of oppressed countries, as the result of a major policy suggestion made at length by our able delegation.
V.U.C.S.A. maintained that too much time at Council was taken on International Affairs in relation to local problems, especially since delegates did not appear, to be as well briefed on these issues as would be necessary for constructive comments. First responsibility should be to the students in New Zealand. Only when N.Z.U.S.A. have exhausted all such matters as bursaries, and education, should it turn to overseas material. And even here it should strictly keep to its present field of S.E. Asia. It would, therefore, be [unclear: urise] to attempt to get on the Supervisory Committee, which would only dissipate its attention, and particularly since Australia seems better fitted for the job. (This was subsequently agreed to by the Council.) V.U.C.S.A. felt that our overseas policy should mainly be concerned with increasing contacts and giving technical and material assistance.
"That problems involving fundamental human rights and concerning education, .student need . . etc., shall be considered only if adequate documentation is made available . . ."
V.U.C.'s statements made a good impression and doubtless will be further developed at the next Council meeting.
G.A.W.