Ménage a deux
From Mr C. Francis Warren Sir: John Laughland writes with his usual
authority on the huge byzantine complexity of EU politics ('The great Euro-American plot', 27 October). However, his assertion that the Ghent mini summit indicates that Tony Blair has replaced 'the Franco-German couple with a ménage a trots' is mistaken.
The German/French axis, despite its occasional spats, is bound by its bilateral, updated Elysee Treaty. This has enabled it to exert the greatest influence by its being. as Lord Lawson said, 'the core', and every other 'partner' is treated as 'an outsider or at best a satellite' (Lords EC Committee 1996).
The situation has not changed. The German and French leaders will flatter Mr Blair with their invitations and, in the sense that a dog on a lead can be said to lead its master, will follow him along any path they have already chosen.
C. Francis Warren
Lancaster
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