2 FEBRUARY 2002, Page 27

From Mr Michael Harrington Sir: Mark Steyn's article goads me

into saying something that has been growing in my mind for some time. When Britain backs America, all we can expect in return is good-natured contempt. If we, or any among us, venture to criticise, we can expect contempt mixed with abuse in return. Our present relationship with America is morally unhealthy and should be changed. Old habits die hard, but surely one day the penny must drop and Whitehall will realise that the Cold War is over, Hitler has been dead even longer, and we do not need to suck up to the Americans any more.

Michael Harrington

Totnes, Devon