Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 15, No. 16. August 14, 1952
Evidence of Germ Warfare
Evidence of Germ Warfare.
On germ warfare: Mr. Archer had seen a Peace Committee exhibition in Peking of evidence that U.S. forces had used germ warfare in Korea and North-East China. Photographs, documents, statements by P.O.W's. combined to make up a convincing case. "The only question I have, said Mr. Archer, "is: 'Was the evidence found at the places and under the conditions stated?' I don't know the answer—but I do know that the Chinese scientists who made the investigations are among the best qualified in the world most of them educated in Britain or the U.S. I know one of them personally, and hold him to be a man of integrity. Still, the only final answer can be given by an impartial investigating commission acceptable to all parties."
On land reform: There certainly would be collectivisation of land at some later stage. Mutual aid terms" already pointed that way, but further mechanisation was a necessary preliminary.
On trade: China would welcome N.Z. wool and dairy produce, and had much to offer in return-notably tea and silks.
At vote of thanks was carried with a hearty round of applause. Although the meeting closed before 10.30. a group of about 30 members of the two sponsoring clubs gathered around supper, and cross-questioned Mr. Archer until 1 in the morning.
—C.B.