Guns in Somalia

I was particularly interested in the editorial "Dealing With Somalia's Guns," Dec. 16. It states that undoubtedly there is a glut of assault rifles and other weaponry. I'm sure that is true. Alas, the British, the French, and the Russians have sold these weapons not only to Somalia, but to so many third- world countries. In many cases these countries are still paying interest on loans made to them to purchase arms, and they cannot afford to pay for food necessary to avoid starvation of their people.

It's incredible to me that we are still selling weapons and indeed competing to do so. Until this trade is stopped, it seems that we are hypocritical when our responsibilities in the United Nations condemn the people who make use of these dreadful tools. F. G. Watson, Chichester, England

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.