(4 of 5)
Far from discontinuing our work, we still have a French personnel, working under French authorities in the Aisne, the same region where for 25 years we have continuously given aid to the civilian population. Also, we recently have helped to establish a center to care for little lost children, in the Ardennes. Both these places are in the north, in the occupied zone.
Your article speaks of the Coordinating Council for French Relief. You are probably unaware of the fact that we were among its first members. In fact, far from "neglecting" our work, we have extended our license to include aid to French refugees wherever they are, and special aid to children and French prisoners of war.
We are not committed to any political policy but simply desire to help the French, men, women, and children, who so greatly need all possible friendship in these tragic days.
MARGARET HUGHES
Director
American Friends of France
New York City
>Misled by Miss Morgan's reticent secretary, who was scanty and cryptic in giving information, TIME is glad to set the record straight.—ED.
No Difficulty
Sirs:
I disagree with the results of the Garand v. Springfield test, as made by the U. S. Marine Corps and published in TIME, March 24. I am a member of the regular Army and am armed with the Garand. I was with the 1st Division Task Force when we made beach landings on the Island of Culebra from Jan. 27 to Feb. 13, 1941. We too had to make landings in small boats and the rifles did become wet with salt spray and were dragged in the sandy beach. Many were dropped into the water also. But in the entire company, I did not see or hear of a case where the rifle refused to fire.
We were on the range prior to our trip to Culebra and during the week it rained every day. We fired during the rain and had no difficulty, provided the rifles had been oiled, as they should be.
PRIVATE GEORGE N. ALPER
Fort Devens, Mass.
>After thorough tests, the Marine Corps found the Garand unreliable under tough conditions, but TIME is relieved to learn that an Army outfit got faithful performance from this controversial weapon.—ED.
Sense of Humor
Sirs:
Ohmigawd! Think what I've been missing these 30-odd years that I've read TIME and roasted it and hated its style, and still read it.
Now comes Harold L. Gibeaut (TIME, March 17) and says, says he, that it would be fatal if TIME lost its sense of humor. . . .
Now that I know that TIME is funny I'll not have to affront my family with profanity as I read it. I'll laugh if it kills me. I'd like, however, to recommend the Book of Revelation to Reader Gibeaut as a humorous story if TIME is funny. How he must laugh over the subtle humor in the small print in an insurance contract.
But in spite of it all, here's to TIME. May you live another 37 years—damyerhide.
J. I. McINTOSH
Oakland, Calif.
>Date of TIME's founding: 1923.—ED.
Tender Phrases
Sirs:
With few exceptions those who air views on the American people's state of mind in regard to our foreign policy seem to be of the opinion that our nation is bent on fostering ideals of democracy for the whole world, or defending the world from Hitlerism.