29 SEPTEMBER 1979, Page 17

Ulster policy

Sir: Mr Paisley has shown, in sayint that there will be no peace until the last IRA man is killed, the absurdity of looking for a Purely military solution to Ulster's current troubles while there is fighting there recruits will continue to come forward to join the terrorists' ranks. And now Robin Evelegh, from the military side, has demonstrated (8 September) that a constitutional solution is equally out of the question. His Idea of pulling the rug from under the IRA (a political solution) is attractive, but would be dangerous to attempt.

There is however another side from Which to approach the problem: that is, through diplomacy. In time of war diplomatic effort is deployed to isolate the enemy: the IRA will be defeated when, and only When, they can no longer draw on aid and comfort, and arms and money, from outside the Province. In the complex system of world-wide international relationships there is immense scope for explaining the facts of the situation, bringing pressure to bear on those who have influence with the IRA and with their friends and promoting more effective measures to counter international terrorism. Once effectiVely isolated the power and prestige of the IRA will be reduced to the point where 'they can be contained militarily and a constitutional settlement agreed with the non-violent majority. John M. Meade Manor Farm HoLise, Hedenham, Bungay, Suffolk