Letter: Union Flag flies over the Pacific

Sir: The report (16 April) on the saga of Tuvalu's flag contains a serious error. Although the former Latasi government changed the national flag, abandoning the one which incorporated the Union Flag, it did not drop the Queen as Tuvalu's head of state. And the original flag - now restored - has not a yellow background but a light blue one.

Apropos of flags, it is remarkable that although, following the military coups in 1987, Fiji became a republic and its Commonwealth membership lapsed, the Union Flag has firmly remained in the corner of the national flag - and, moreover, the Queen's head has been retained on Fiji's currency. Their retention carries a wistful political message, reflecting the strong sentiments of respect and affection for their former Sovereign still felt by the people of Fiji.

ROGER BARLTROP

Pacific Islands Society

Hurstpierpoint,

West Sussex