The arrest of thousands of people after the coup is said to have been a regrettable necessity.

"Here, a little glasnost is a regrettable necessity if you're going to have any perestroika."

Contractionary fiscal policy is the regrettable necessity imposed by the large Reagan deficits.

We understand the regrettable necessity for the kind of work you were drawn into.

Neither welcomed the presence of the city's poor, the majority of its population, though both recognised their regrettable necessity.

"It then is of regrettable necessity to prove, that though they are stronger, this one has more knowledge."

You were very clear yesterday about the regrettable necessity of certain practicalities.

Mrs Aspen also stood and looked at me as though I was a regrettable necessity in their important lives, like drains.

Diane Young, a parts worker for 22 years who went on strike tonight, said the action was a regrettable necessity.

Under all circumstances, killing is looked on as a regrettable last-ditch necessity.