31 AUGUST 1996, Page 21

Sir: What on earth is Frank Johnson talking about (Leading

article, 10 August)? Amen- ca's standards are exactly the same as our own or those of any other foreign country, company or individual. They will look out for number one first. If those interests coin- cide, then maybe they will take our side, but to rely on their support on a regular basis is naive, to say the least. Do we take the Americans' side come what may? As my gran used to say, it'll end in tears.

M.J. Finch

133 Blenheim Road, London EV