“De-escalation”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31653, 13 April 1968, Page 12

“De-escalation”

Sir, —Apologies to Mark D. Sadler for not being specific, but I was taking such wide sweeps with that metaphorical truncheon that space did not permit. I fear Mr Sadler has taken the term “hawk” too literally for if “someone has put tar on their feathers and they are reduced to flapping feebly” the implication is that the “hawks” are compulsively aggressive and not merely exponents of a particular strategy. I cannot accept that the “hawks” got clobbered, as I understand their particular obsession was increased bombing of North Vietnam. I agree with Mr Sadler’s truism that “really good” defence in chess will result in stalemate or victory especially if “one’s opponent overreaches himself.” The Americans could be forgiven for playing the game as they did, being in the unusual position of starting with a preponderance of pieces and endeavoured to establish and retain the initiative, a principle of chess, I believe.—Yours, etc., GEORGE KELLY. April 11.1968.

Sir, —George Kelly could not have found a more apt term when he described your correspondence columns as “an anti-American forum.” What a wonderful time the A.A.s have had in your hospitable pages! One wonders what these industrious souls will use for ammunition with which to snipe at Uncle Sam when the war ends—though the untimely death of Martin Luther King provides them with fresh supplies, of which they will no doubt make full use. Incidentally, “untimely" is probably the incorrect term, from the viewpoint of certain sections, to apply to the King tragedy. From the Communist angle, it was very timely indeed—so much so, that it is difficult to believe that such a happening at such a crucial time was mere coincidence. However, your "regulars” will doubtless construe it as just another example of American decadence.—Yours, etc., ANTI ANTI-AMERICAN. April 10, 1968.