Sir, - As an American who has had a long time interest in Irish politics and history, I have followed the progress of the current peace talks with hope anxiety. As the Christmas holidays approach, I offer a charitable suggestion for ridding areas of Northern Ireland of some weaponry.
Approximately three years ago, police precincts in New York City instituted a programme during the holiday season which was loosely dubbed "guns for toys". The effort began at the suggestion of a local businessman. He donated toys worth several thousand dollars to the 34th Police Precinct in upper Manhattan, one of the highest drug dealing areas in the city.
The police then advertised within the community that any weapon turned into the precinct would be exchanged for a toy for a child for Christmas. The response was overwhelming. Within weeks over 15,000 guns were collected, including automatic weapons, shotguns, and cheap revolvers. Other companies made donations and the programme was expanded to seven precincts in the city. It is currently suspended due to lack of funding.
My suggestion, therefore, is to implement a Christmas "guns for toys" programme in Northern Ireland. Local businesses, church, community, women's and other groups, as well as local constabularies, could become involved. Neutral exchange points could be established by Protestants and Catholics.
The children of Northern Ireland have seen too much hatred, violence," and bloodshed in their lifetimes. The Government, community groups, and families could bolster the peace process and make a better Christmas for girls and boys by creating such a programme. Yours, etc.,
48 West 87th Street,
New York, NI 10024.