Sir, - Dr Tom Clonan (December 27th) writes that the Rapid Reaction Force expects national troop contributions from Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Finland, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland and Portugal.
He comments: "This represents a force with extraordinary command and control, language, logistic and operational challenges". The italics are mine.
This challenge to individuals or groups using a variety of native languages emerges daily in many contexts. It seems to be considered bad form to refer to it - even worse to mention that an inexpensive solution, having several fringe advantages, is available.
In other circumstances something can be managed with the help of interpreters, but adequate provision for a rapid reaction force is not easy to imagine. - Yours, etc.,
MÁIRE MULLARNEY,
Esperanto Association
of Ireland,
Whitechurch Road,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.