LETTER : Scottish lead for Wales to follow

Sir: Reading about UK devolution while abroad can alter one's opinion. Seen from a German perspective, Tony Blair's "third way" (leading article, 13 September) between separatism and the status quo appears to make perfect sense. Separatism still makes no sense at all.

Like Scotland and Wales, Bavaria feels different from its neighbouring states. In spite of such differences, it is not separatist. It is content to remain absorbed into a federal system. Bavarians, like other Germans, do not wish to see their country fragmenting and reverting back to a collection of small independent states. They are aware of the price paid in unification and the advantages unity has brought. Furthermore, they realise size affects their influence and power, both internationally and within the European Union.

Scottish (and Welsh) separatists should learn from German pragmatism.

SELWYN HODSON PRESSINGER

Munich,

Germany