"WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD"

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 118, 22 May 1939, Page 8

"WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD"

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Again we see the Hon. Mr. Semple in a characteristic display, this time in his attack upon "these defence leagues." Rather than be prepared for an attack, he is satisfied to await its development, as he promises, "We will be there at the death knock"; well* arrival only then will ensure that we get it.

All agree that the Government's efforts in increasing air defences and, mechanised units are very necessary and commendable, but these are not the only necessities. Recent wars have proved that the trained man with the bayonet is the final arbiter, and that to ensure the bayonet's proper handling, at least three months' intensive mental and physical training are required.

The Defence League, so delicately castigated, has done amazingly good. work in awakening our people to the urgent need of immediately training a sufficiency of our man .power. This man power is of the same pattern as, and will prove the equal of, that which won world fame in the Great War, if madev fit. It is surely evident that the league is struggling' to follow and approach the track being made by the best brain power in "Great Britain today in the realisation that preparedness now is urgent.

Mr. Semple's chief delusion is that he knows it all, and his' intention to lead a battalion is surely the culminating point. Has he the remotest idea of the standard of knowledge re-, quired of evert an infantry lieutenant to ensure that lives will not be wasted? From my own observation I should say that the Public Works men will provide ideal material for the proposed mechanised battalion in every way, but heaven help them" if their leaders are untrained, and h.ave not. the habit of command. • '•„•■■

Would Mr. Semple employ a master baker to plot his . main highway gradients and curves? i Cheap jibes about flag flapping can be thrown even at the trade unions, than whom.no organisation is more fond of parading banners and badges. . ■ '.-.';■..

Mr. Semple may well say" we are here today and gone tomorrow; I can assure- him that unless the Defence League's aims are attained, he, and "all of us, will certainly be well ; gone tomorrow.—l am, etc., ■;

SOMME/16.