Letter: Pinochet's fate

Sir: In war it is expedient not to be fussy in one's choice of allies, but in peace a higher standard must apply.

Although most post-war Conservative politicians have instinctively supported right-wing dictators, they usually had the good taste to do it covertly.

I am encouraged, therefore, to see them coming out of the closet for Pinochet as I trust that public opinion will treat the blustering partisanship of Howard, Lilley and Thatcher with the contempt it deserves.

DAN WILLIAMS

Southend-on-Sea, Essex