26 MAY 1967, Page 27

Europe and the bomb Sir: Is the argument for a

new European power block, inevitably nuclear, really that it would make for a 'genuine peace,' as suggested in the SPEC- TATOR (12 May)? The peace we have is surely as genuine as any in the last half-century, and it is hard to believe that it would necessarily he im- proved by a tripolar power structure. More to the point perhaps is that a nuclear Europe would be able to look the other two world powers in the face. As M Spaak's article sadly underlined, the acceptance of the nuclear hegemony of the Soviet Union and the United States, under the euphemism of 'non-proliferation,' would cast us into servile and unbecoming roles: A nuclear Europe would at least prevent that, and seems the conclusive argu- ment for our joining the Common Market.

Leslie Palmier 27 Henrietta Street. Bath, Somerset