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Sir: I read your article regarding the Russian-Czechoslovak [July 26] crisis expecting to hear about the mass demonstrations of support for the Czech cause across America. Czechoslovakia needs to be bolstered by a display of world public opinion. Where are all the students and professors who protest America's "colonialism in Viet Nam?" Where are the supporters of "national self-determination?" Where are the anti-colonialists? Where is the United Nations? Where did everybody go?
HERBERT P. DOOSKIN Melbourne, Australia
Sir: You say that Dubcek is trying to combine Communism with freedom. Jan Masaryk said in 1946: "Czechoslovakia must work out the synthesis between Russian socialism and Western liberty. I'll go all the way with Russia up to one point: socialist economics, O.K. But if anyone tries to take away our freedom—freedom to think and say what you believe—the right to your own thoughts, your own soul . . ." Let's pray that Dubcek does not have to "jump" or "fall" from a window in a few months.
E. RAVINET
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Miró on the Wall
Sir: I thought your article on Joan Miró [July 26] was very good. I know that the article and the color-spread will please Miró immensely. I am sorry that such a Pleasant article should nevertheless contain a misquotation from me. You have me saying that Miró's Birth of the World was the point of departure for modern painting. Not even in my sleep could I lave said that. The tradition of modern painting is around 100 years old and its point of departure is certainly not after Cubism, Fauvism, Cézanne, Manet and Impressionism (to scan various points of departure looking backwards). What I did say, of course, was that the Birth of the World and pictures related to it were a point of departure for a direction in modern painting that ultimately led to Abstract Expressionism.
WILLIAM S. RUBIN Curator of Painting and Sculpture The Museum of Modern Art Manhattan
Aeroflop
Sir: I feel there is no challenge to the West from Aeroflot's much ballyhooed service [July 26]. Having recently spent five weeks flying across Russia and Siberia, I am not singing their praises. What with sloppy, indifferent, Amazonian stewardesses who disappeared completely during flights, seat belts that didn't work, heavy luggage stowed overhead, either suffocation awaiting takeoff, or chilly drafts, it does not seem likely anyone who had a choice would consider their airline. Granted they went all out to make an impression on their inaugural flight, but I for one would never book with them.
WANDA MARLOW Calistoga, Calif.
Cue Ball
Sir: It's hard even to say the word baseball without stifling a yawn [July 26]. Snow to snow, it's the best mid-afternoon sedative going. The majors ought to take a cue from pro football and trim the schedule to the point where it doesn't take 30 days to alter the standings. My bet is that the gate would even out or advance. You can tell the bosses of the majors to watch out for soccer, too.
DON NORTH
Vienna, Va.