Devaluing the Yen Invites New Perils

I take strong issue with the premise of “Weaker Currency May Hasten Japan Recovery” [Aug. 6] and believe it is dangerous and will exacerbate current problems in Japan.

First, devaluing the currency will heat up inflation in an economy already straining under the burden of artificially high prices.

Second, it will be costly to Japanese corporations because it will raise the cost of goods. The assertion it will raise profits is made out

of whole cloth.

Third, even if the “solution” worked, when the currency began to rise in value the economy would go into a tailspin.

Further, the premise presupposes other Asian nations will not devalue their currencies in response, and that is precisely what would happen.

MICHAEL SOLOMON

West Los Angeles