LETTERS Saving the Union
Sir: Thanks partly to the Anglo-Irish agreement, we know that there are likely to be at least 14 Unionists in the next Parliament. The situation in Northern Ire- land, though bad, is immensely improved compared with what it was only a few years ago. The improvement is entirely due to the devoted efforts of the police and the Army and to the steadfastness of Unionists (Catholic as well as Protestant) in the face of murder.
It could be crucial to the United King- dom that Unionist MPs now devote them- selves to their duties at Westminster. If possible they should suppress their moral indignation (which I share) and ask helpful questions like 'What is the agenda for the next Anglo-Irish meeting?'
If the minister says 'I don't know', when he does, the Southern Irish Government (and/or, not improbably, the Sinn Fein/ IRA) may leak it. If he says he does know but it is a state secret the Southern Irish Government or the Sinn Fein-IRA are just as likely to leak it. If he reveals the agenda (which the Southern Irish may dispute) the Unionists will deserve the credit for throw- ing some light in dark places.
The real danger to the United Kingdom is not, as is being whispered, American pressure, but the same old danger from people at Westminster and, still more, in Whitehall, who are absolutely determined to cave in, come what may.
Charles Pickthorn
3 Hobury Street, London SW10
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