Defence of the West
From Commander Edgar P. Young, RN (Reid).
Sir: David Wragg (14 June) begs the question when he alleges that "it is generally taken for granted in diplomatic and military circles that some kind of crunch or confrontation situation will soon come," i.e. between the Soviet Union and its rivals in the West. The "circles" which he quotes have a vested interest in the profession of such an assumption, because otherwise they receive less attention, financially and otherwise, than they would claim for themselves.
If one examines their premise, however, one finds that it is based on little more than the assertion that "Russia's approach is always one of implied threat," and that "the Soviet Union is anxious to test the -American will." Yet on examination of, for instance, the situation in the Indian Ocean, one may note that the Soviet Union, far from having "started on bases in Somalia," as David Wragg tamely supports them in alleging, notwithstanding the categoric denial of the allegation by both parties concerned, has persistently proposed, since 1973, that all foreign bases in that area shall be dismantled and that all foreign warships and military aircraft, shall be withdrawn. One may note, on. the other hand, that both Britain and France have bases there, which they intend to maintain, e.g. in Oman and at Djibouti, and are actually using these for their respective imperialist purposes, to suppress the people of Oman and to threaten those of Somalia. Britain has gone further, indeed, in doing her utmost to involve the United States in the creation of a powerful base on her, island of Diego Garcia, which is explicitly recognised by all the countries' bordering on the Indian Ocean, including Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and even the Philippines, with the
exception only of South Africa, as "an implied threat" to them and to the security of peace in the area.
Those who remember how the US threatened to intervene on behalf of Pakistan in Bangladesh's war of independence, and were tacitly warned off any such 'monkey business' by the Soviet naval presence in the vicinity, just holding the ring, so to speak, will realise that it is plain common sense which has dictated the attitude of the Indian Ocean countries in the present instance they realise from what quarter "the implied threat" is likely to come, and that it is not from the USSR.
The same applies also, I suggest, to the situation which might develop in Yugoslavia, where CIA intervention through Croatian terrorists has already been experienced, or in Norway, whose juxtaposition to a vital part of the USSR makes it a likely quarter for some similar intervention whence is derived, I suggest, David Wragg's anxiety lest Norway might be constrained to eliminate the threat to her inoffensive neighbour represented by possible Soviet "defectors," alias CIA agents, near that ticklish border, as may well have happened in Finland.
And finally, as regards alleged Soviet "high hopes" of Portugal and Madeira, who is it that has rather more than ahigh hopes" of Fascist Spain?
Edgar P. Young 101 Clarence Gate Gardens; Glentworth Street, London NW I From Mrs Isla Atherley Sir: I always read Mr David Wragg's articles on our national defence with great interest because, although this ought to be the first consideration of any government, it has in fact been the last of post-war British governments.
If all the work, energy and enthusiasm, that politicians have spent in reducing our country to impotence and in building a super European cosmopolis, had been expended on rearmament and on forming an effective military alliance of anti-Communist nations fiercely determined to defend their own loved homelands we would be more able to enjoy that "peace and security" that Mrs Thatcher has misled many people into thinking could be obtained by simply remaining in the EEC.
One vital factor of defence that I have never seen mentioned by commentators on the state of NATO, is the strategic importance in including the white-ruled states of Southern Africa in any defensive framework of the West.
Isla Atherley Hazel Cottage, CharlburY, Oxford.
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