Indochina: And Now to Rebuild

After a century of conflict against foreign imperialism, firstly the French, then the Japanese and the Americans (with some help from stool pigeons such as Australia and New Zealand), the people of Vietnam and Cambodia have recently won major victories in their fight for independence. Phnom Penh has been liberated, as has most of Vietnam. An end to the fighting now seems near.

Yet there has been a devastating toll. The equivalent of NZ's entire population (some three million people) may have been killed in the fighting, and similar staggering numbers wounded. Far more have been made homeless, or forcibly shifted into 'strategic hamlets' to curb the spread of communism. Aside from the damage caused by direct and deliberate bombing of villages, hospitals and flood dykes, we also have the Americans to thank for defoliating perhaps a quarter of Vietnam's productive areas. The experience has opened many people's eyes to the brutality of supposed believers in democracy and freedom. These concepts have been revealled in their true nature — as secondary to the desire to exploit profits out of an area and a people.

New Zealand spent some $20 million in helping devastate Vietnam — its high time we put some money in to help rebuild it.

On this campus, a group has been set up to co-ordinate fund raising activities for relief in Vietnam. The particular project we envisage these funds going to is a pharmaceuticals factory to provide the Vietnamese with their own supply of medicines, thus building self-reliance. It is a concrete project 'hat can alleviate a lot of suffering — it is a project worthy of our support.

Church school zone in Loch ninh bombed and sheiled by Thieu's airforce (11/7/73)

Apart from a general appeal for donations (which can be handed in to the Students Association office marked Vietnam Aid Appeal or something similar), we are planning a group of activities in the first two weeks of the next term to make the parting of your money even more pleasant for you. Many activities are not yet finalised, but here is a quick run-down of the programme:

Monday 19, Tuesday 20 May:

Photo exhibition in main foyer, Union Building

(outside Studass office)

Tuesday 20:

Lunch time play in the Union Hall

Thursday 22:

A forum in the Union Hall to discuss some of the issues raised by the victories of the Vietnamese and Cambodian people. Possibly starring an MP.

Thursday 22:

An evening folk-concert

Friday May 23:

An auction of lost property in the Union Hall at lunchtime. The last one of these, with that well-known Steptoe Imitator Don Carson, was extremely successful and a lot of fun.

Sunday 25:

A jazz/rock concert in the Restuarant (evening)

Monday 26:

A forum at midday with gentlemen from Foreign. Affairs (hopefully outlining NZ policy in this area and leading to a discussion of what we hope to achieve).

Wednesday 28:

A jumble sale cum bring-and-buy in the Lounge and Smoking rooms at lunchtime. Get rid of all that old junk you don't need, and buy some new junk! We prefer items to be donated, but will discuss a 50% commission on valuable items. Collecting will be at the sale on Tuesday.

Thursday 29:

A slides/poetry/wine and cheese evening in the Lounge and Smoking room.

Other events planned, but not yet given dates, include a posh dinner, a film show and a set of chocolate fish competitions. Posters will be set up around the campus advertising events, and a high quality poster will be on sale at Studass.

13 year old but thi Hoa was wounded by Thieu troops while she was sleeping in a shelter (7/2/74)

Prices for the evening do's will be a very reasonable dollar, others more or less (preferably more) as you like. The guiding idea of the activities is to provide enjoyment while encouraging debate and thought, and also raising funds.

If you have any schemes you think should be included in this programme, or would like to help organising and running any of the functions (and we'd like plenty of help!), please get in touch with the committee as soon as possible either through the Studass office, Salient, or phone: Bryony Hales (759-487) or Anthony Ward or John McBride — (both 759-704)

The SRC on Wednesday 23 April pledged solidarity with the Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian people in the reconstruction of Cambodia. Similar ideas form part of Studass policy on Vietnam. Let's turn these ideas into concrete action by giving a substantial amount towards the building of a pharmaceuticals factory in Vietnam!