I BELIEVE Cllr Ray Davies’s visceral opposition to Nato (Argus August 28) is very misplaced. Unlike my father and grandfather, I belong to that very lucky post-war generation that has never faced a European war and the free nations of Europe standing together with the United States after 1945 deserve our thanks. It was Nato that defended Berlin against a Soviet blockade through a massive airlift and countered a further land grab by Stalin. That is celebrated annually in the city and something we should still take pride in.

Of course “nuclear weapons should never be used” but their very presence has discouraged adventurism for more than 60 years. Sometimes the threat of force has to be demonstrated to avoid conflict. More often the threat of isolation and economic sanctions can be more potent weapons.

On the day the Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine has morphed into a covert invasion, the dangers to Poland, Romania, the Baltic states and others is clear. Should we really forget that they are our Nato partners and leave them to it.

If America were ever to conclude that the Atlantic alliance was not in their interests, and President Obama’s initial instincts were indeed to look more towards the Pacific, Europe might be left to fight its own battles. Is that what CND Cymru wants?

To borrow a topical slogan, in an uncertain world we are surely “better together”.

We still need Nato to preserve the peace in Europe for future generations.

David Kenny Tredunnock Usk