SIR - I am surprised at David Rhodes' jibe at me (T&A, May 22) because I always thought he was an intelligent man, able to take in the written word.

The inexplicable' reason for my reference to Esperanto was to say that because people speak a certain language does not mean that a country need exist.

I am perfectly aware, Mr Rhodes, of the multi-millions who speak our wonderful language world-wide, but it in no way gives support to Eric Firth's argument that UKIP's fear of our country's becoming a mere region of Europe and losing its country status is not a real one.

Has he not seen the details of the map portraying the Pas de Calais and Kent as a desired region, or even the one where Wales was depicted?

Philip Bird, local secretary, UKIP, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley