Armed forces

Press, 23 July 1986, Page 18

Armed forces

Sir,—The implication of J. B. Simmonds’ letter (July 21) on military-civilian ratios in Russia, America and South Africa is that Russia must be far more aggressive at 1 to 72. Assuming the quoted figures are correct, there is a simple explanation. The Soviet coastline is much longer than either America’s or South Africa’s and is defended against possible Japanese or American aggression. Russia’s internal border is enormously long and meets hostile neighbours, such as China, Pakistan and Turkey. Russia has been invaded three

times since 1914, while neither America nor South Africa has. A fair Western comparison would be France — invaded twice since 1914 — which insists on its own nuclear “deterrent” and is determined to defend itself, alone if necessary. Aggression usually spawns further aggression, while mistrust always feeds on itself. I commend a study of history, in depth, to J. B. Simmonds.— Yours, etc., M. T. MOORE. July 21, 1986.