N.Z. and IUS

In recent years New Zealand has been approached by IUS "to return to the fold." In 1962 we were invited to attend a World Youth Festival in Helsinki. We declined on grounds of cost. Back came a cable offering three full travel grants. Again we declined, after full examination of the matter. As events transpired our decision was right.

The previous festival at Vienna had been a shambles and Helsinki was in the same pattern. All delegations from the non-communist countries were exploited for propaganda purposes, their statements were twisted when reported, and their movements amongst the Communists were restricted.

The New Zealand University Students' Association has also examined the possibility of sending an observer delegation to an IUS Congress. The experience of Canadian and Australian students has killed this idea.

A Canadian went to the 1961 Congress and was feted from the time he arrived. This was part of the IUS scheme to appear international.

When the Canadian attempted to speak he was howled down. After his abortive attempt to make himself heard he was attacked by the Chinese delegate and referred to as "a running dog of imperialism" and "a fascist lackey of the filthy American warmongers."

The Australian experience was little better. In 1962 they sent three members to a Congress. The three were not allowed to together and were kept separated by Congress officials, who sat between them to act as "interpreters."

TV cameras were trained upon them the whole time. Periodically the whole Congress would applaud, and a picture taken of the Australians. If they applauded the caption on the published picture was likely to show them supporting something they would never support. If they just sat, the caption might show them refusing to support "world peace," or some other similar resolution.

Consequently there is little chance of New Zealand renewing relations with the organisation. As long as IUS supports the aims of International Communism, and uses its well known tactics it seems that there will continue to be two international student organisations.