LORD Robertson certainly over-larded his opinion that breaking away from the Union would be cataclysmic ("Pro-Union politicians condemn Robertson warning", The Herald, April 9).
There would be a hole in the UK's defence arrangements if Trident was forced to be abandoned, greatly reducing UK perceived global influence, but the rest of the UK (rUK) would still be able to join in mutual defence and protective actions, and not as the rump state lampooned by Ian Bell ("Robertson has both insulted and threatened Yes voters", The Herald, April 9).
The long-flagged European defence force could become a reality, even if that left France holding the only nuclear baby and thus pole position. The two new aircraft carriers would find an important role, even if foolishly they do not have gear for handling French aircraft.
Scottish forces would continue to co-operate alongside rUK forces, separation then only achieving higher costs associated with the duplication of military structures with the rUK's 55m citizens continuing to feature much more prominently. Cataclysmic no, benefits to both parties nonetheless not obvious.
Joe Darby,
Glenburn, St Martins Mill, Cullicudden, Dingwall.
I NOTE with alarm that Lord Robertson of Port Ellen has opined that if the democratic will of the Scots is to pay tax to Edinburgh instead of London, the whole of Western civilisation will come crashing down around our heads. Furthermore, in his speech in America, he states that the analogy that many Scots draw about our yearning for better governance with the American struggle has greater resonance with the American Civil War than the War of Independence. I note that hundreds of thousands died during that struggle whereas there have been no casualties in our "battle", save for the bruising of a few pompous egomaniacs.
How fragile must Nato have become during his watch if one small nation member out of 28 shifting policy can destroy society? Does this demonstrate resilience and a love of democratic freedom? Secondly, is the noble Baron actually suggesting there will be civil war in Scotland if we vote Yes?
Finally, can I suggest that the indefatigable Eddie Izzard seeks the noble Lord as a script editor because satire is dead when George Robertson can come out with such illusory and, dare one say, cataclysmic pronouncements.
Paul Cochrane,
10 Grants Way, Paisley.
LORD Robertson's rhetorical shock and awe tactics are a timely reminder of a mindset that a Yes vote will allow the Scottish people to escape from. We should not forget that as Secretary-General of Nato he was master of ceremonies at the Court of Bush and Blair.
Lord Robertson played a key role in the implementation of the delusional grand strategy of Messrs Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and Cheney, arguably the most dysfunctional western grand strategic plan yet hatched. It was a strategy that wilfully undid the bolts that held together the zombie states that were created by the post First World War middle eastern Sykes Picot Agreement.
Unfortunately the peoples of the Middle East are having to deal with the agonies of this unravelling as we speak. Fortunately for us, in this more stable part of the world, the only casualties are the metaphorical foreheads of some in the No camp as they bounce off the desk in reaction to the noble lord's intervention.
Bill Ramsay,
84 Albert Avenue, Glasgow,
I AM surprised that Lord Robertson didn't go right over the top and paraphrase the unnamed American general in Vietnam. That, in order to save Scotland, it will have to be destroyed.
Eric Duncan,
11a Muirend Road, Cardross.
The Yes Campaign should embrace a new and exciting strategy. Simply encourage the Better Together campaign to continue doing what it is doing. Victory in September would then be assured. The Better Together campaign has been based on two flawed ideas. Don't engage in the debate because it would legitimise the issue and frighten the Scottish people with Project Fear; the rantings of Lord Robertson being the latest example. The problem is the Scottish people are becoming increasingly engaged while Project Fear suffers from the law of diminishing returns. There are only so many times you can say boo.
William Bonnar,
129 Ardmory Avenue, Glasgow.
"WE, who inhabit these islands, should live together as neighbours and friends. Respectful of each other's nationhood, sovereignty and traditions. Co-operating to our mutual benefit. At ease in each other's company."
Why is it that the "political elite" ("McGuinness row as Irish leader makes historic speech", The Herald, April 9) assembled at Windsor should listen to Her Majesty's words to the Irish President with great respect and approval, yet when the First Minister of Scotland says precisely the same thing to the Westminster establishment with respect to Scotland and England, he is met with derision and obstruction?
Dr Hamish Maclaren,
1 Grays Loan, Thornhill, Stirling.
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