Sir, - I agree with the general concern expressed in the media during the past few days about the atomic testing in India. All thinking people have reason to feel jittery about nuclear testing, whether above or below the ground. But as an admirer of India where I spent 16 happy years, I was happy to read Letter from America (May 16th) in which your correspondent points out that non-government experts on India criticise US policy in the region as too patronising. We too in Ireland are patronising in this respect. Our image of India is incomplete, even distorted.
Extreme poverty is just one aspect of the sub-continent. India has come a long way since independence in 1947. It is highly industrialised country but when the Indian Tiger eventually comes of age, none of the other tigers will have reason to fear. Some time ago an Indian company saved 500 jobs at Haulbowline by taking over Irish Steel.
Of course the concern of the US is understandable. As the world's only superpower, it often has to carry the can when others go to war. But it is hard to comprehend why our Minister for Foreign Affairs had to summon the Indian charge d'affaires to admonish him concerning the events this week in India. Because of our common history, Ireland should be playing a leading role in helping to interpret India to the West. It is time for us to show India the respect which is her due. - yours, etc., Francis P. Mansfield
SVD, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.