22 October 2001

Kia ora,

according to a report in today's 'The Daily News' (Taranaki), "The New Zealand Navy is ready and willing to take on any support role in the United States-led war against terrorism, says Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Peter McHaffie."

The report goes on to say: "Although special forces are the primary method of fighting this war against terrorism, there are a whole range of options for support services. We are ready to respond to any initiatives," he said in New Plymouth yesterday. The New Zealand Navy frigate Canterbury was used as a support vessel in the 1982 Falklands War between Britain and Argentina. The Canterbury went to the Persian Gulf, freeing up a British vessel to steam to the troubled South Atlantic waters around the British Falkland Islands. Something similar could be done in the war against terrorism presently being waged by the US, United Kingdom and other Western nations, he said.

Although nothing had been decided, it was possible a New Zealand vessel could relieve an Australian counterpart, allowing it to more fully participate in the war centred on Afghanistan."

The full article is available at http://www1.stuff.m1.co.nz/UM/T.asp?A7.55.457.46.51399

The navy may indeed be 'ready and willing' to take part in killing the people of Afghanistan but many people in this country want no part in the US led revenge attacks masquerading as 'the war on terrorism'. As a matter of some urgency, you need to make your views about this known to Helen Clark and other politicians.

The contact details are: Helen Clark, Prime Minister, office - tel 471 9998, fax 473 3579; Jim Anderton, Deputy Prime Minister, office - tel 471 9011, fax 495 8441; Mark Burton, Minister of Defence, office - tel 471 9715, fax 495 8465; The Cabinet (collectively) office - tel 471 9743, fax 472 6332. Letters should be addressed to the relevant person and posted (no stamp needed) to Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

For articles and statements about the war against the people of Afghanistan, check out http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/usatresp.htm

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Peace Movement Aotearoa
the national networking peace organisation
PO Box 9314, Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand
Tel +64 4 382 8129 Fax +64 4 382 8173
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/
Internet Peace Gateway - http://www.peace.org.nz
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