Dear Editor, We cannot allow Mr Brown's statement that the NZ media and experts think the Cook Island nation are "too dumb" to realise the implications of its own decisions, go without comment.

No, Mr Brown, it's you they are talking about or referring to and most definitely not the good citizens of the Cook Islands. They did not make the "decision" to sign the deals with China, you did. New Zealand, as a neighbouring Pacific Island, has nothing but respect and sympathy for the very good people of the Cook Islands, but they are very worried about you and the dubiousness of your puzzling behaviour.

Very sincerely, 

Gerry Mitten,

Christchurch NZ.