NZ Students have a Role

We must work hard to arouse the interest of the NZ students in the struggle of the Asian people and to see the relationships of their struggle with ours. Your student movement has had a long history of fighting against apartheid and I think this is good. It is important that this struggle is brought to the attention of people in the Second World. Most developed countries are parasitic on Third World countries in natural resources and economic relations. Progressive students in these developed countries should work hand in hand with the people of the Third World. This is one way of hastening liberation through peoples movements. On the other hand it will also strengthen the student movement at home and give it a correct direction.

Because of the world economic recession in the capitalist societies, the people in general suffer from unemployment and inflation, and students are no exception. With increases in fees and cuts in bursaries, grants and welfare it is quite obvious that students are part of the oppressed class in the society. If only they would join with the people and fight for common interests.

Some people say that after October 6, everything is finished. This is not the case.

In the past, people have tried to divide the students from the people by saying that they are part of the ruling class. This is true only of a minority. If they work for their own interests they will attempt to climb up to the ruling class. But look at the majority — they are used by the ruling class as their tool. The middle level technicians and managers help to stabilise and maintain the system. We are all under this oppression of the system. We should all realise this point.

I notice that students here pay a lot of attention to the people of the South Pacific and the activities of Nuclear Warships in the area. Your campaign is a progressive move to ensure the security of the people and by doing so it will further educate our students to recognise the intentions of the superpowers. This will further expose the real nature of superpower contention.