Free-Trade Pact

Re “Bush Should Go Ahead and Sign Trade Pact,” editorial, Nov. 29:

As someone who proposed a North American accord in Mexico at a time when it was still, to use your words, a “political taboo” there to mention alliances with the United States, I applaud your suggestion that President Bush sign the North American Free Trade Agreement.

I also commend you for your praise of Mexico’s president, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, for courageously overthrowing these antiquated “taboos” and opening his nation to economic opportunity.

As you stated, labor and environmental concerns still exist in the minds of many of your compatriots about this agreement--as well they should. Salinas does indeed demonstrate leadership, not only by welcoming discussion of these issues but by proposing consideration of the thorny issue of immigration. This proposal is not only sagacious and statesmanlike, but also is a complete reversal of previous policy pursued by Mexican leaders.

From my experience, I would make two observations about immigration:

* It is among the most contentious and emotional of issues. Therefore, great care must be taken that participants in the dialogue act dispassionately, intelligently, phlegmatically and responsibility.

* It cannot--and, in my opinion, should not--be discussed absent the United States considering the relationship of immigration to our flawed welfare policy.

JOHN GAVIN, Los Angeles. John Gavin was U.S. ambassador to Mexico from 1981 through 1986.