Letter: Nato nations lead arms trade

YOUR leading article 'Saving Nato, or people?' (13 February) quotes Douglas Hurd's words about 'preserving the strength and solidarity of Nato'. Among the Nato nations are some of the leaders in the international arms trade which underpins the ability of the warring factions in Bosnia to continue their carnage.

Too little has been heard recently of the ineffective embargo on arms to the former Yugoslavia and how Nato (and others) could strengthen it.

This is parallel to your concern about lining the pockets of UK contractors from overseas aid funds. In both cases, the moral line will cause people in this country to be poorer. Can we face sacrifice to help others? Or do we still defend our own at whatever cost to others, including the Bosnians?

Denis C Hardwick

London SE23