21 DECEMBER 1991, Page 59

Fine distinctions

Sir: Your article of 7 December (`The ears of a Croatian colonel') stated that the response of the EEC to the situation in Yugoslavia is a bitter joke.

And an old one, too. Daniele Vare in Laughing Diplomat wrote that at Locarno in 1925 a squib was handed round which read: For a massacre not involving women and chil- dren, notice of one month shall be given.

For a massacre involving women and chil- dren, notice of two months shall be given.

Any massacre where the above conditions have not been complied with shall be null and void.

Bernard Jones

E8 New Cavendish Street, London W1