Under the surface of subs deal

Karen Middleton’s article “Under the surface” (September 25–October 1) was again an interesting, well-crafted and keenly researched assessment of what has happened so far in the long-ranging submarine purchase saga. I look forward to further commentary on issues not canvassed in this piece. First, that this deal is the third iteration in this diplomatic mess. The Japanese were the first to be discarded, then the French and now we have a notional agreement with the United States and Britain. Second, there is the problem of what our South-east Asian neighbours and China think of our posturing. And, what the Australian people might think about nuclear reactors in their ports.

– Bill Clark, Melbourne, Vic