Airstrip One

Giscard D'Estaing, Defender of Christendom - 26th November 2002, 21.50

A fortnight ago, the haughty defender of French interests declared that Turkey was not welcome at the trough. The country was Muslim, bordered Iran and, as an example, might even lead to an application from, quelle horreur!, Morocco. Moreover, as Britain was an enthusiastic supporter of Turkish entry, this ploy could be seen as an attempt to increase US influence.

"Those who have pushed enlargement most strongly in the direction of Turkey are the enemies of the European Union," he said, in a thinly veiled reference to Britain.

Now that Turkey has elected a mild Islamist government, the question of this NATO ally has haunted both the recent summit in Prague and the diplomatic rows behind the Convention. Neither France nor Germany wish to see so many Muslims in their beloved superstate even though the consequence could be increased instability and even war between Greece and Turkey on their southern borders.

Fortunately for Turkey, and even a possible escape-route for ourselves, is the mooted Trans-Atlantic Free Trade Area (TAFTA), that would merge NAFTA and the EEA with Turkey and independent countries west of the Urals. This looks a better alternative for Turkey who should ensure that the EU's military pretensions are punctured by refusing co-operation with NATO.