Trump and Germany

SIR – I was probably the first Westerner during glasnost to be taken round the Soviet Union production line of its front-line fighter, the Mig 29. I was surprised to see that its production was wholly dependent on the use of West German 5-axis computer-aided milling machines. These were banned exports.

I assume that the Sukhoi 27 was also being built using advanced West German machinery. It still amazes me that this was happening when Britain and the US were spending billions protecting West Germany.

Donald Trump is right to say that Germany does not pay its way, and is too cosy with Russia (report, July 12).

Anthony Stansfeld

Kintbury, Berkshire

SIR – Berated by Mr Trump for being controlled by the Russians, Angela Merkel insists that Germany is an independent nation making its own decisions.

How does she square this with trying her hardest to prevent Britain from becoming an independent nation making its own decisions?

Adrian Fort

Kidlington, Oxfordshire