I FELT rather disappointed in reading 'Australia being hypocritical' (South China Morning Post, September 20).
This person, who doesn't want his/her name mentioned, is obviously French. I, on the other hand, am Australian and make no bones about it, especially concerning the very emotive issue of nuclear testing in the South Pacific.
So, let me take you to task on a number of points mentioned in your letter.
Firstly, you seem intent on bringing up the past. It is an historical fact that both Germany and Japan were defeated at the conclusion of World War II. Also, Japan is the only country to have had atomic weapons dropped on their soil in aggression which, to my way of thinking, gives them every right to campaign against nuclear testing as they, more than any other country, know the consequences of the use of these weapons in anger.
Also, while public apology for past transgressions is a separate issue, no country should be made to feel guilty forever for the 'sins of their fathers'.
If this was the case, then maybe we could discuss France's involvement in places such as Vietnam, the Congo or several other African colonies. Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that every country has regrettable periods in their history, Australia included.