It is appropriate that, while your visit to New Zealand is a brief one and is concerned with the business of Her Majesty's Government, we, as New Zealand citizens, consider that the following subject is one which calls for your immediate and special attention which we accordingly request.

A considerable number of New Zealand citizens are seriously concerned over the state of affairs in the Six Counties of Northern Ireland under the jurisdiction of the British Government. Many hundreds are interned indefinitely without trial, no charges having been preferred against them, and others are detained and imprisoned under what appears to us to be questionable legal process. They are denied any right of appeal and appear to be without legal redress. This is being done under the Emergency Powers Act which has been widely condemned in Great Britain and other countries as being harsh, undemocratic and in conflict with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

These considerations are set out in the enclosed petition form which is at present being circulated in New Zealand and is receiving wide support. Presently the petition will be conveyed to the representative of your government in Northern Ireland, the Hon. Mr Whitelaw. Meanwhile, we are drawing this matter to your attention and earnestly request that immediately on your return to London you make known to your Government our serious concern over this matter and ask that early effect be given to the prayer of the petition.