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At a time when sacrificial blood is flowing freely and uncomplainingly in so many other quarters and when shipping is important enough to decide a nation's fate, it is sickening indeed to realize the treacherous apathy that is allowed to exist among a class of workmen who, by the very token of their skill, have so much to offer, positively and directly, to the cause of freedom.
GEORGE F. MATTHEWS San Francisco, Calif.
Synthetic Rubber
Sirs:
Please accept my congratulations for your account of the synthetic rubber situation in TIME [July 20]. This is, in my opinion, the finest job of reporting a very complicated technical matter that it has been my pleasure to read. I am very familiar with this situation and felt very pleased and gratified with the accuracy of your account.
BENJAMIN T. BROOKS Chemical Engineering and Research New York City
Objectors in China
Sirs:
The account of Dr. Gordon S. Seagrave's escape from Burma (TIME, July 20) stated that men from the Friends Ambulance Unit worked with him in gathering up the wounded and bringing them to the emergency base hospital. . . .
It may be of interest to know that the Friends Ambulance Unit is composed of British conscientious objectors. . . .
The Unit consists of about 80 men, including several Americans. Thirteen additional Americans are now ready to join those already at work in China. The project is an expression of Anglo-American good will and demonstrates the daring and courage of pacifists who are ready to make any personal sacrifice in service for fellow human beings.
The F.A.U. has other units at work in Libya (Tobruk), Syria and Ethiopia. Sixteen men were lost in Greece. Already two F.A.U. men in China have died of typhus and one was captured by Japanese in Hong Kong. The major operation in China involves transport of medical supplies to hospitals. . . . The program is largely financed with American funds from United China Relief.
It is hoped that the departure of ten American auto mechanics and three doctors will open the way for American conscientious objectors now enrolled in Civilian Public Service Camps also to participate in relief and reconstruction work overseas. . . .
JOHN F. RICH Associate Secretary American Friends Service Committee Philadelphia, Pa.
End of Pussyfooting
Sirs:
Mr. Ickes' rubber drive (TIME, July 13) is a disappointing failure!
If this rubber drive arises from a really serious need, then why not quit the pussyfooting and get down to business? Why not put the use of automobiles on a similar priority basis to that now governing the purchase of tires.
My family and I can get along without our car but we are using it because we don't know/ what else to do with it. And there must be millions more like us! Not only should I give-up the rubber mats in the front and luggage compartments, but I should give up the car itself—that is, if Mr. Ickes knows what to do with it.
GEORGE HOPKINS University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon
Athlete's Foot
Sirs:
I see TIME [July 20] has joined the hullabaloo against the sale of camphor and phenol for athlete's foot.