Letter: Ireland in a United British Isles

Sir: Civil engineers are trained to understand and explain the limitations on the lives of structures. The word 'permanent' in the Downing Street declaration should be modified because permanence is absolute and therefore cannot be guaranteed by any mortal. Completeness, however, can be demonstrated at any time.

Yours faithfully,

J. H. H. WILLIAMS

Ware, Hertfordshire

1 September