Sovereignty and the Common Market
Sir: There seems to be some con- fusion in Mr D. A. Young's mind (March 20) between 'interest' and 'influence'. Of course British poli- cies are of 'direct interest' to a number of Commonwealth coun- tries but the 'direct influence' we have today on, say, India or Zambia, has been steadily dim- inishing from the day they became independent. This is after all what independence is all about.
On the other hand, with or with- out us, the Common Market, al- ready an integrated economic giant, cannot fail to exercise ever- increasing influence on world af- fairs. As a member we should play a leading part in its decision-mak- ing and although we would not of course get our own way all the time we should at least be able to safeguard our interests (including defence) in Europe and in the world.
It is true British experience and personal connection with 'the far corners of the world' will be in- valuable; but let us remember that our neighbours, the French, the Dutch and the Belgians, arc not without their overseas con- nections.
Patricia McLaughlin 2 Buckingham Palace Mansions, swl
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