Madam, - The nuclear non-proliferation treaty, the brainchild of Frank Aitken, "has since been ignored by Israel, India, Pakistan and, most recently, North Korea, all of which have developed such weapons", thunders Garret FitzGerald (Opinion & Analysis, January 28th).
But Israel, India and Pakistan have never signed the treaty, so why shouldn't they ignore it?
Contrary to Dr FitzGerald's complaint, they have never been guilty of "flagrant breaches", which is why such "breaches" could never have been brought before the UN Security Council, and why Western powers have had no legal basis for obstructing Israel's acquisition of nuclear capability.
Of his list, only North Korea actually signed the treaty, back in 1968, but formally withdrew in 2003. Iran also signed, also in 1968.
Thus Israel, India and Pakistan have broken no treaties or international laws. North Korea and Iran have. - Yours, etc,
TONY ALLWRIGHT,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.