AS the Prime Minister stepped from the plane waving the treaty, he proclaimed 'Peace in our time', but his vision became an illusion. In 1938, war was declared to preserve democracy and freedom.

Through the centuries historical events are often repeated. Today, the bureaucrats of Brussels are presiding over policies to control our economy, commercial interests, fiscal wealth, traditions, and democratic lifestyle. We do not know who they are, how many, nor what they do, or represent. We do not know what our elected ministers do, nor who they are. Why are they so muted? Do they belong to a 'club culture'? Have they become the puppets of Brussels? Why are they ready to surrender our currency to Europe? (Which is a leader in the commercial world).

But we do know about the club culture of corruption under the last French presidential leadership. Our currency is a symbol of trust, goodwill and more stable than most economies in a volatile world. It is 'sovereign' to our country.

Why are they so ready to surrender our democracy? It is sovereign throughout the free world; to freedom, liberty, culture, class and customs. Do we want our gold and currency reserves transferred to the 'Fort Knox' of Germany? Do we want the city stockmarket transferred to Germany?

Could we prevent Brussels from opening our borders? To control armed forces? It is no secret that Tony Blair is ready to surrender our sovereignty. He says Britain should lead in Europe. He may have visions even to become the Messiah of Europe! Brussels have other plans to hatch. The foundations of our prosperity was not laid by this government over the last four years. It was laid over several decades by our predecessors.

There are many other options to follow without surrendering to Europe in total. We can revert to the Common Market trade agreement. We can strengthen relations with the Commonwealth and the rest of the free world markets. We can still remain as close to Europe and the Scandinavian countries, as we do with the rest of the free world, on mutual policies and agreements. We do not have to heavily subsidise the bureaucrats of Brussels to become our masters.

Big is not always the best to survive and we have learned about the falls of all past great empires, the latest being the USSR.

To preserve prosperity, democracy and currency, sovereign to our country; these should remain above political party ideology and public manipulation, against all exploitation for power and control.

The sovereignty of our democracy and currency is 'not for sale'. These are embodied within the Magna Carta and Royal Charters.

A public referendum would not be a legitimate referendum for a political mandate. It would become nothing more than a political opinion poll, prioritised by dreams and illusions.

R Owen

Conway Close

Loudwater