THE BRITISH FLEET.

Evening Star, Issue 22272, 25 February 1936, Page 11

THE BRITISH FLEET.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —“ Spartacua ” is evidently one of those strange persons who, whilst living under the protection of the British flag and enjoying the privileges of British citizenship, yet delights to extol the doubtful virtues of another nation to the detriment of tlio Empire of which he is a citizen. We do not get a great deal of official news concerning Russia, or, as " Spartacus ” terms it, " The Free Union of Soviet Republics,” but, such as wo do get seems to mo to deal quite a lot with its huge army and air force. It is quite possible that those forces are intended for defensive purposes. I do not, however, recollect reading, during the period of Britain’s gradual disarmament experiment, that Russia (I prefer still to call the country by that name) was similarly engaged, nor any other country, for that matter. Yet “ Spartacus ” and his friends choose to vilify and insult their own nation, and the one country that attempted to put into practice the ideals she definitely stood for, and that other countries professed to stand for. Events have proved that the experiment was a most dangerous mistake, and she is now about to rectify matters. If Russia’s armed forces are for defensive purposes, and are accepted as such, why should not “ Spartacus ” be equally fair and accept Britain’s forces in a like manner? There is one thing absolutely certain. Cut out the Navy, and the Union Jack would very soon cease to fly over New Zealand or any other British country. 1 suggest that sympathy need not be

wasted on the “ ignorant border tribes ” who “ hurl themselves against British guns, bayonets, and bombs ” (rather dramatic, that!), as doubtless they would delight in hurling themselves at each other were the British not on the spot.. In conclusion, I yield second place to no one in my desire for peace, but do let it be Peace With Honour. February 25.