Sir, Military intervention is not the solution to the crisis unfolding in Zimbabwe (report, June 24).

Hundreds of thousands of people are suffering from intimidation, harassment and torture; millions have been deprived of food after the Government suspended NGO operations, and those who dare to speak out are arrested or arbitrarily detained.

Surely it is reckless to deploy an international military force into this already vulnerable state?

Rather, the regional powers in southern Africa should use their influence to pressure the Government of Zimbabwe to restore peace. An emergency summit should be convened by the South African Development Community at which it can set out concrete measures to stem the tide of abuse.

Kate Allen
Director, Amnesty International UK

Sir, Robert Mugabe, who brought his people freedom from colonialisation, rightly considers his life’s work unfinished until he recovers the vast tracts of farmland — Zimbabwe’s best — that we sold over the people’s heads to white farmers.

This we could have returned when we grudgingly gave them their independence. Now, 27 years later, his people are starving and the land reform commission, sitting in London, has failed.

Let us return this land without further delay. This will offer their people a new start and prove a lot cheaper than military intervention.

Eric Spielman
Loughton, Essex

Sir, I am horrified to note that despite the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe the Government, according to the No 10 website, is still considering returning unsuccessful asylum seekers there once the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal test case of “HS” has been heard.

Surely this flies in the face of reason when the Ministry of Defence is considering two contingency plans involving the deployment of troops in Zimbabwe and the Government is pressing for fresh sanctions. Or does the governmental right hand really not know what the left hand is doing?

The Rev T. John Davies
Walsall, West Midlands

Sir, In the page upon page of print devoted to news, comment and opinion relating to the unfolding calamity in Zimbabwe, not a peep has been heard from that august organisation that claims to be a unique association of nations sharing common values and aspirations, namely, the oft-trumpeted Commonwealth.

Many of us have long known that this body is little more than an excuse for ritual and pointless junketing by the leaders of its member states. What they have in common is hard to see, except, perhaps, a taste for la dolce vita at their taxpayers’ expense.

The acquiescence of so many African Commonwealth leaders in the barbarism of Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF) must surely forever lay to rest the notion that the members of this body have anything worthwhile in common. It is, in truth, little more than a fig leaf covering Britain’s long-lost power, influence and status. That it has lasted so long is regrettable. It will be somewhat more regrettable if this irrelevant, ineffectual and aimless travesty is not now laid to rest.

Michael J. Lazarus
Northaw, Herts

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