From Mr David Hadfield
Sir, — There is a flaw in the Revd Dr Tony Whipp’s argument (Letters, 13 May). Osama bin Laden was not killed in the heat of battle. He died in an operation carried out in blatant violation of the sovereignty of Pakistan and without due process of law. Terrorists may operate in this way, but civilised nations do not.
Equally, I cannot help thinking that attitudes might be different had the UK sought in the past to carry out a similar operation in the United States in relation to IRA members, or if the US had sought to carry out such an operation in a European country. The principle is the same.
Consequently, I for one am grateful that we have an Archbishop who is prepared to speak out, not simply to sweep things under the carpet with a few platitudes of regret.
DAVID HADFIELD
Highgate House, Tomtits Lane
Forest Row RH18 5AT