Sir, - The Coalition Against Warship Visit wishes to express its very deep concern at the forthcoming visit to these shores of a United States aircraft carrier. Not only is this vessel one of the most formidable killing machines ever constructed, it has actually facilitated the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of human beings.
We are appalled at the carnival atmosphere that" is being fomented to greet this shrine to war. With all the death and destruction that has been inflicted on humanity through militarism and arms, Irish people in particular, should be opposed to such a glorification of violence.
It is ironic, at a time when this island is striving for an end to armed conflict and towards a lasting peace, that this massive military machine is to parade its murderous hardware up and down the country.
Instead of paying homage to this warship, we should be lamenting the carnage it has wrought and remember those that have died.
We are critical of those who are promoting such military exhibitions and seriously question whether public funds are. being diverted away from legitimate needs in the process.
We ask the public, especially those who may be offered tickets, to register their concern by not visiting the warship. In particular, we call on those artists and performers involved to cancel their scheduled concert. We hope they will think about the deadly attacks that have been launched from this "stage".
As citizens of a neutral State, we must ask ourselves whether this marks the beginning of a new policy of playing host to the military forces of powerful nations. Is this a taste of things to come as we begin to embrace NATO and WEU? - Yours, etc.,
Secretary, CAWV,
Upper Camden Street, Dublin 2.