Letters, Jan. 21, 1952

Modern Barbary Pirates

Sir:

I'm angry! Re the payment of ransom for the release of our flyers [TIME, Dec. 31], let me quote: "Millions for defense, but not a cent for tribute."

. . . This is nothing but blackmail, and could well be the beginning of another Barbary Pirate Affair ... If I were imprisoned under such circumstances ... I would rather spend a year in jail than to have the U.S. spend one cent in ransom.

THOMAS F. LEECH Lieutenant, U.S.N. Great Lakes, 111.

Sir:

... I am flying the American flag upside down today . . .

Since when is the life of any American...

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