13 NOVEMBER 1976, Page 18

Look at Germany

Sir: The American general who called Britain's defence forces pathetic should take a good look at West Germany. They have one of the smallest navies in Europe and no nuclear force. Isn't that pathetic? But if Germany spent billions of Deutschemarks more on defence, they would have to invest less in industry and their production would suffer. Then they would have a big economic problem. It sounds familiar, doesn't it ? It is time for us to follow Germany's shining example and have our economic miracle. Royce Bradshaw Acorns, 213 Shirehall Road, Sheffield 5