Why should we oppose such visits?

The danger of a new world war is increasing. Despite their paper agreements, the rivalry between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union is intensifying. Since the strategic arms limitation agreements were signed, [unclear: both he] Soviet-Union and the United States have developed very large numbers of missiles which carry multiple warheads which can be targetted independently. The Soviet Union has increased its land-based and sea based missile launchers.

Their rivalry extends into every corner of the world. Even small countries are affected. The Soviet Union is trying to penetrate Samoa and Tonga. The United States has sent a stream of politicians and military men to New Zealand since the beginning of the year. N.Z. has been involved in numerous large-scalemilitary exercises since Janaury.

There is considerable danger from accidents. If ships nuclear reactors are invovled in an accident, there are major threats to present and future generations. The nuclear physicist Dr William Thompson pointed out: 'The real danger would be the long-term biological and genetic effects from the dispersal of radioactive dust" (The Press, July 15/9/76).

Radiation causes all types of cancer, from bone through thyroid to skin and lung cancers. Inhalation of a microscopic speak of plutonium 239 (an element used extensively in nuclear weapons) for example, can be fatal. Other nuclear elements are equally deadly. Our meat exports would also be threatened—contaminated meat is now allowed in foreign markets.