Letter:Confederal Europe needs time to evolve

Sir: During the 1975 European referendum campaign the argument that most convinced me to vote "yes" was not simply one of trade and thus profit, but of trade and thus peace.

I considered another European war involving Britain to be far less likely if there was an opportunity for politicians and the press to argue over trade agreements. I did not expect the arguments to be almost continuous. Nevertheless, our politicians have indeed got something to have a good row about and a real chance to parade their nationalism and machismo. My basic philosophy seems to be holding true.

RICHARD WELCH

Nantglyn, North Wales