Ghandi's way

I read your editorial on the Nuclear test ban (Aug. 1, 1996) with interest. I do not think that India should take the blame if the treaty falls through. Her stand has been consistent and unwavering since 1954. Even now all she is asking for is a timetable for total nuclear disarmament from the five majors.

Why are they finding this so hard to do? Can't they even agree to a date 10 or even 15 years ahead? In the meantime how can they seriously expect to be allowed to keep their nuclear defensive mechanisms while everyone else forgoes theirs? This is not fair and if Mahatma Gandhi had been alive, he would have supported India and probably have non-violently fasted at the UN until he got the entire world to agree on total disarmament -- nuclear and conventional.

RAVI MENON

Jakarta