To alienate Germany risks Europe’s defences

SIR – The threat by President Donald Trump to withdraw American troops from Europe unless their defence spending on Nato increases (report, July 11) surely plays into the hands of the United States’ real enemies, who since the end of the Cold War have long been waiting for the opportunity of a great schism in Western democracies.

Mr Trump’s harshest comments were reserved for Germany, which is unfair and unfortunate. It is true that Germany’s 1.2 per cent of GDP spent on defence falls well below countries like Britain and France, but it is above that of other large Nato powers like Italy and Spain. Last year, Germany actually increased its defence expenditure by 5 per cent, but because of its economic growth the proportion of GDP barely changed.

After a Cold War settlement that rightly restricted Germany from military rearmament, it would seem politically unrealistic now to expect Germany suddenly to reverse those post-war policies.

To demand as much seriously risks alienating Germany at a critical time for the West. Paul Dolan

Northwich, Cheshire

SIR – Was Mr Trump wearing Kim Jong-un’s trousers at the Blenheim Palace dinner? Robert Price

Haywards Heath, West Sussex

SIR – Theresa May’s husband Philip wore a hand-tied bow tie, and Mr Trump a ready-tied one.

England 1, US 0. Tony Ellison

Westcliff-on-sea, Essex