Second Nation
Sir: The Russians are great "copycat" people and feel that such methods will overcome their shortcomings. Your cover story [Feb. 21] points out so well that Russia is not "No. 2" in the world but a "second-class" nation. We are so far ahead of them that they'll never catch up under their system of government.
ADOLPHUS W. HAWKINS JR. Richmond
Sir: I visited the Soviet Union in 1960, saw many outstanding material things, and found the Russians one of the friendliest groups of people in all of Europe. The one thing that made a profound impression on me was their sincere desire for peace. When I saw them crying, begging and praying for peace, I was deeply moved. The Russians love their country, are proud of its accomplishments, and will work for a better life. They are trying; give them credit.
DAVID B. ZERWECK San Jose, Calif.
Sir: I think the most telling item in your article is that browsing is not permitted in Russian bookstores. Our million-a-year browsers would revolt under such a regime.
Louis EPSTEIN President
Pickwick Bookshop Hollywood
Divided Island
Sir: The trouble with Cyprus [Feb. 14] is that there are no Cypriots. Deep down in their hearts they are either Greeks or Turks. As long as this feeling remains, there will never be peace on that island. So why not divide the island in order to prevent another bloody Congo?
CONSTANTINE KOUSARIDES
Howard Payne College Brownwood, Texas
Sir: As a Greek studying in the U.S., I am greatly disturbed and disappointed by the prejudicial way in which your correspondent covered the Cyprus crisis. The green line that appears on the map of Cyprus and that you call "possible partition line," adds more hatred and misunderstanding to the already complicated situation there.
ELEFTERIOS TSARAS University of Illinois Chicago
National Reps Sir: Your spotlighting of repertory theaters [Feb. 14] has helped the cause of the theater and has shown us that the lonely battle we have been fighting is not so isolated as we thought. Recognizing our struggles as part of a national restlessness in the dramatic arts gives our morale a decided lift.
ED SIEMENS Producer/Director Actors' Theatre Seattle Sir: You neglected any mention of several of the most important theaters in the country, including the oldest (the Cleveland Play House—49 years old). In addition, Boston's Charles Playhouse (seven years old; 7,600 season subscribers) would have been discovered, by even an elementary reporting job, to be on a level with the best regional professional theaters in the U.S.
FRANK SUGRUE Producer-Managing Director The Charles Playhouse Boston Sir: Your fine article was a godsend to the Memphis community. People at long last are beginning to appreciate what actor-director-producer George Touliatos has been fighting so hard to keep alive —talent.
ANDREA G. WARREN Memphis
Diplomatic Correspondence