Re-assessment

Primarily, any substantial re-orientation of our defence and strategic posture would require a re-assessment of New Zealand's place in Asia. In terms of defence, it obviously is just not on our doorstep. We are on the very fringe of the area. A vast amount could happen in Asia which would not remotely touch us. Were we to continue cur aid programmes on at least the same basis as before, and politely disengage from any military action not directly relevant to ourselves, Australia and certain of the Polynesian islands, we could make our world a much safer place.

"Dogs! Do you want to live for ever!" Frederick the Great lashed at some hesitant guards. One's sympathies go out to these honest fellows. No-one but a lunatic could long to be a dead hero. Immortality is really a very short-term sort of aim. People who make wars are obviously to be deplored, but there are plenty of them around. So long as there are. it would seem that in this world discretion is the better part of valour.