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The average Englishman only comes into close contact with the Americans in public houses and in cinemas, which are not always the best meeting places.
We have had several Yanks at our house and all of them have been most charming and interesting. I always put in a good word for your boys and will not tolerate any ridiculous criticism. . . .
BARBARA HARRIS
Newbury, Berks England
Soldiers and Religion
Sirs:
It was a pleasure to read the realistic statements of Dr. Bernard Iddinge Bell in TIME, Jan. 31. Being a member of the armed forces, I can vouch for the validity of his appraisal. It seems to me that there have been too many false impressions conveyed to the public by photographs of large numbers of servicemen at Mass and services, and by overoptimistic statements of touring ecclesiastical authorities.
There is no true picture of the religious attitude of soldiers to be gained from such representations—even conceding the truth of pictures and statistics. It is easy enough for soldiers to attend services when there is nothing else to do. I have seen them attend from sheer boredom.
The true criterion of religious spirit is to be found in the individual's own appreciation of objective ethical and moral precepts, as dictated by his own particular church and rooted in his conscience, and the translation of the same into action in his personal life.
This is acquired through education and practice in the early years. . . .
To hope for a religious renewal in large numbers of servicemen is folly. That is the work of peace and a mighty contributing factor in the prevention of future wars.
(SERVICEMAN'S NAME WITHHELD) New Orleans
Goof
Sirs:
From whose whiskey bottle did your reporter get that story on steelhead fishing (TIME, Jan. 31)?
Never have I read such a funny story, and I've fished for steelhead (and caught a few) in Oregon and Northern California. I have yet to see anyone using "walnut-sized gobs of goof" for bait and a "fetid turkish towel for wiping hands after fixing the bait." Sounds" too much like cleaning a stopped sewer.
Your reporter should see the artistry that goes into the tying of flies in preparation for the steelhead season. He should have a warming hot toddy with the boys when the day is done. Of course, those are prewar seasons I have in mind. Maybe the sport has deteriorated. . . .
GEORGE WALDNER ist Lieutenant Los Angeles
> Let Fly Fisherman Waldner stop laughing into his toddy. Probably 99 44/100% of the winter steelheaders of Oregon and Washington, capital zone of the sport, are goofers.—ED.
Whose B26?
Sirs:
Your recent article on the B-26 Marauder (TIME, Jan. 31) was very interesting. They are doing an excellent job on Occupied France and the Low Countries. However, the article leaves the impression that the B-26 has been proved a great combat airplane in these operations. I take exception to that impression.
I was a member of the first American group of B-26s to go into combat against the Germans and Italians. This took place in North Africa soon after the invasion. We learned the hard way, trying first one tactic and then another, until we found the way to use them best. . . .