Sir: There seems to have been a lack of co-ordination
between your editorial and the article by Joel Cohen in your issue of February 24. Mr Cohen's article discusses the problems of how the innocent may be protected by attacks from terrorists. The editorial 'Peace in
jeopardy ', however, condemns Israel for putting a stop to nine potential terrorist attacks.
The Libyan incident was a terrible tragedy of errors, which, let's face it, regularly occur in wartime. It was clearly an accident for which the Israelis are deeply sorry.
Equally there never was any likelihood either of full-scale war or of peace coming about in the near future in the Middle East. Therefore to suggest that what has happened has hindered the peace negotiations is absurd, as there were no peace negotiations taking place. It may be strange to realise that President Nixon is neither President of Egypt nor Prithe Minister of Israel, therefore negotiations with him do not amount to peace negotiations. Peace when it comes will come only from a peace treaty resulting from negotiations between the parties concerned.
David M. Jacobs 22a Thurloe Street, London SW7
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