13 NOVEMBER 2004, Page 38

Wilkonarnen!

From Gareth Homfray-Davies Sir: Roger Koppel's article ('When did you last see your fatherland?', 30 October) deserves a warm welcome. His thoughtful and thought-provoking comments need wide cir culation. The German case in the ongoing debate on the future of the European Union has largely gone by default for reasons that Mr Koppel helpfully explains. Perhaps his initiative will encourage other authoritative German voices to join in. As he says, Germany cannot spend an eternity atoning for its history. It is time it summoned up its collective courage to stand up, publicly, for its views.

As one who fought in the last great conflict I feel entitled to invite our German friends to come in out of the cold.

Gareth Homfray-Davies

Var, France