World Cup terronsts
Sir: I am surprised at your harsh judgement about the West German attempt to keep the World Cup free from disturbance by Arab terrorists ('Middle East Imperatives,' June 22).
Not for being German do I think the term 'shameful cowardice' is an unjustified emotional outburst, but for trying to understand the motives behind the release of Arab terrorists from West German prisons.
Who can honestly blame the West German authorities for trying to avoid anything that could lead to a repetition of the tragic events during the Olympic Games in 1972?
And who was — and would be — the first to blame the German police for negligence if something like that happened'? _ _ • Nobody criticises the Metropolitan Police for taking extra care after last week's explosion at the Houses of Parliament, but German officials seem unable to find assent in this country. I think the British press has been unjust throughout its reporting about German security measures. I fail to see any logic in — to name just one example — blaming the police in West Berlin for turning the headquarters of the Chilean team into a 'barbed-wired fortress' and not guarding the Chilean Embassy in West Berlin — which was then blown up. In my opinion nobody can justifiably accuse the West German authorities of 'shameful cowardice' for rating the safety Of thousands of visitors higher than the principle of revenge — even if they hurt a few pro-Israeli feelings by doing so. As I write, the World Cup is not yet finished, but I hope that only words of ' reason, not tragic events, will prove the admittedly drastic preventive measures of the West German government necessary. Hans-Christian Winters c/o Alleyne's School, Stevenage, Herts.
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