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Editorial

The war in the horn of Africa is said to be over. Following a massive offensive masterminded by the Soviets, and executed largely by Soviet and Cuban personnel and machinery, Somalia has been forced to concede defeat and withdraw from the Ogaden desert.

Somalia has asked that foreign powers now leave the horn. This is a request not likely to meet with much success, for a secure footing in northern Africa is extremely valuable to the Soviets. It gives them increased access to the rest of Africa, which means access to sizeable chunks of the world's raw materials, and further influence in the developing power of the third world.

It strengthens Soviet potential to dominate the vital sea routes from the Middle East to the west and it provides a base for striking at Europe.

The methods by which the war in the horn was won are not to be overlooked. Using a combination of conventional weaponry and space age technology the Soviets were able to demonstrate their ability to coordinate a powerful strike force far from home.

With protection from parts of the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean fleets three divisions were flown in to Ethiopia inside eight to 10 hours, helicopters were used to transport tanks right to the scene of battle and a new satellite was launched to coordinate the whole procedure. Prior to the actual exercise Ethiopia had been used as a training ground for conventional warfare maneouvres.

The Soviets have reminded the world that a new world war, to be fought without the totally destructive use of nuclear arms, is very much on the cards. Is it too difficult to look at the true nature of detente as demonstrated recently in the Middle East, and recognise that the Israeli preparations for invasion of southern Lebanon have a close parallel in the activities of the superpowers?

For make no mistake about it, the United States and the Soviet Union may be talking to each other but they are both hard at work jockeying for dominance in the world and sooner or later their interest will conflict so directly that war must break out.

Where does New Zealand fit in? The new world war will be centred on industrially rich Europe. New Zealand is just about the last country in the world that can be expected to have anything to add to this war. We are therefore in an ideal position to develop and independent position. If we allow either superpower to use the country as a military base or gain significant control of the economy (which the United States is well in the way to doing) we will be drawn into the war. Even if you don't believe a world war is coming, is it worth the risk?

The Soviet Union is the rising imperialist power and often tends to brandish a more aggressive brand of Imperialism, but this does not mean we need to side with the States against it. We should concentrate on excluding both the superpowers from New Zealand, and because the States is far more dominant here it must become the major target of any activities to secure independence for the country.

Vice-President Walter Mondale is coming to this part of the world next week, to assure New Zealand and other Pacific and south-east Asian countries that we have not been forgotten.

We must show Mondale that we do not need his country's 'protection". Demonstrations against his visit are being organised. If you believe in independence for this country, join in.

Simon Wilson