Correspondence.

• Author: Southon, Gray
• Position: Letter to the editor

Sir,

It is good that William McCormick, the US Ambassador in New Zealand, welcomes a strengthening relationship between the two countries, and it is natural that he would emphasise the areas of commonality (vol 32, no 4). However, let us not overlook the areas where US policy and action is undermining NZ interests. I refer, particularly, to our reliance on international stability, global free trade, an effective multilateral system and a strong United Nations. US behaviour in Iraq and the Middle East in general is one of the most destabilising factors in international affairs. The refusal to negotiate nuclear disarmament undermines the whole nuclear safety and non-proliferation programme. The United States' overwhelming preference for military rather than development effort undermines global development. The...