Sir, - Ireland's example has some influence in other countries. For this reason, it is a pity that the promised referendum on joining NATO's Partnership for Peace has been cancelled. Many people in Eastern Europe are insecure about the possibility that their countries are losing neutrality, and Ireland has always been a beacon for them.
We do not agree with Partnership for Peace that peace is a military matter, to be obtained by military means. In the past, we found ourselves in agreement with many Irish people and most Irish politicians on this matter.
All these issues need open and democratic discussion. That is why we are preparing to call a European Conference on Peace and Human Rights, where we hope participants from Ireland will play a prominent part. - Yours, etc.,
Prof Ken Coates, Chairman, The Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation, Bulwell Lane, Nottingham, England.