MICHAEL J STOKES, PC,
Sir, - If an east-west conflict degenerated to the ultimate lunacy of nuclear exchange it would of course respect neither frontier nor neutrality.
Even if we were spared direct attack we would still be exposed to slow death by radiation sickness and the gross and lethal pollution of our air, water, land, crops and dairy produce.
On the vital question of our neutrality in the event of a conflict confined to conventional weaponry, there is scarcely any doubt that all Western Europe would be quickly overrun. The Cabinet memorandum which has not yet been completed examines a variety of possible referendum formulations, particularly whether more than one question could be put on the ballot paper.
Our Government's so-called "triple lock" could be given a place in our Constitution. This would mean that the Defence Forces could not be committed to a EU military force, unless the Government and the Oireachtas agreed and then only if there had been a prior United Nations mandate. At least it is a theme which offers scope for national public debate. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL J STOKES, PC, Willington Green, Dublin 6W.