Germany in Nato

SIR – When President Donald Trump demanded that European countries pay their share for defence that is collective, the juvenile eye-rolling in response revealed an attitude like that of benefit cheats who want others to pay.

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, has said that Europe can no longer depend on the United States and Britain (report, May 29). As a Nato member, committed to 2 per cent spending on defence, Germany has failed to deliver its part. It is a member of the Nato club, but is not willing to pay its full subscription.

Yet Britain, after paying for membership of the EU, is also expected to pay to leave and to continue to pay to subsidise the defence of Germany – with possible sacrifice of lives as well as cash.

One rule for Germany and another for Britain. So much for partnership and respect.

The creation of a United States of Europe for Mrs Merkel and Emmanuel Macron of France clearly means leaving Nato and placing the security of Europe under threat.

Thirsk, North Yorkshire

SIR – Mrs Merkel has said that “Germany can only do well if Europe is doing well”. Unfortunately for the rest of Europe, this is the exact opposite of the truth.

The strong Germany economy enjoys export success around the world and within the EU because the euro is undervalued. The euro is undervalued precisely because the other countries in the euro area are doing badly and are unable to devalue.

The cost to these other countries is high unemployment and debt. Germany is determined to keep this state of affairs in place, as it works so well to its advantage.

The only alleviation of this situation would be by a transfer of funds from Germany to its neighbours or a break-up of the eurozone. Unfortunately, neither option is likely to happen in the near future.

Kidderminster, Worcestershire