Dr H. N. Sethna, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, has advised the Government to sign the non-proliferation treaty. The plutonium plant in Trombay was his brainchild and as a person who has been involved with the nuclear energy programme for nearly half a century, he speaks with authority.

The reason given for not signing the treaty is that it is discriminatory. Discriminatory or not, according to Dr Sethna, it is possible to withdraw from the treaty subsequently. After all, the UN membership too is discriminatory with a few countries having veto power and the majority treated as second-class nations. If we can accept the membership of the UN, why can't we sign the NPT, which is less discriminatory? By signing the NPT India will stand tall among peace-loving countries.

V. S. Venkatavaradan

Salem

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