SARAH H.J. POYNTZ,
Madam, - I found Dermot Mulcahy's letter on "Perfidious France" (December 2nd) quite interesting.
It reiterates, of course, the statements of the less enlightened English-speaking press and reveals an all too common attitude towards France - the France that since the second World War, by working with Germany, has helped so much to keep peace in Europe.
It is all too easy to attribute motives, to sneer, - to play the cynic. These are all tactics that can be used against all large states and also against small ones, national self-interest being what it is.
I salute France in its joint efforts with the United Nations to avoid war over Iraq until it is absolutely necessary. I salute its people for their courage in two World Wars and for their indomitable spirit.
I could, of course, take the points made by Mr Mulcahy in his letter and demolish them one by one, but France does not need this. - Yours, etc.,
SARAH H.J. POYNTZ,
Ballyconry House,
Ballyvaughan,
Co Clare.