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SIS infiltration of universities

A number of incidents have highlighted the activities of the SIS on the universities. Despite all statements to the contrary SIS agents and paid informers are present on campus. This was confirmed in the Dominion of March 5, 1974 by Michael Parker after an investigation into SIS activities.

One example of the SIS and Victoria University will demonstrate how they aid "democracy" and fight "subversion":

(From a statement by Roger Boshier in 1969)

"In October 1966 I joined the Victoria University National Party Club, was elected Vice-Chairman (in the absence of the usual Chairman) and allowed motions and debate on the Vietnam issue. A motion to withdraw troops from Vietnam caused considerable distress to some members of the Branch and the next day they went to National Party headquarters to seek advice. Mr R.J. Laurenson, the Wellington Regional Chairman of the National Party, telephoned Mr Barnes, the Prime Minister's private secretary, who telephoned Security to see what they had in their files that could be used to embarrass me. Mr Marshall, the Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed what happened next. Mr Barnes relayed back to Mr Laurenson what Security had told him, namely that I was not a Communist or a fellow traveller, and that what was on the files was already public knowledge (Committee on Vietnam activities). Mr Laurenson had sought security information "with all the assurance and anticipation apparently gained from past experience" (N. Kirk, Oct, 1966)".

Again the SIS was being used to intervene directly in the political activities of New Zealand citizens—this time not in the trade union movement but the internal affairs of a student club.