I WRITE regarding the "Passport gloom" report in the Evening Press (April 6).

As another Swedish woman married to a York man, I too find it outrageous that little Ella is denied British citizenship just because the couple were not married at the time of the birth.

We were married when our daughter was born here in Brussels where we now live, so we never experienced the problem, but registered her as Swedish and British at both embassies before giving her a Swedish passport (Belgian citizenship is not an alternative).

This is why I can give you a tip.

There is a temporary Swedish passport for situations such as this.

We used it when our daughter was first born, since we had not received the full Swedish social insurance number for her but still wanted to go to Sweden for Christmas.

I think you have to go to the Swedish Embassy in person these days, rather than send your application. But it could be worth it for some midsummer sun and strawberry cake.

Charlotta Colliander Golding,

Rue E. Henrard, Brussels.

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, April 17, 2002