10 SEPTEMBER 1948, Page 14

Sot,—My pride, as a naval officer, is wounded by a

recent letter on " Conscript Service." An example was quoted of a young man, called up only eleven months ago, who " having long since finished his naval training, is as good a sailor as he is ever likely to be." I hope that most people do not rate the seaman's art so low.

It is a matter of remarkable ease to pick, from the daily execution of his duties, the man who has served from boyhood and the man whose sea service is only of a few years. If conscripts, by filling shore appointments, can enable more men on regular engagements to serve at sea, surely they can feel that they are playing a useful part in rebuilding the Navy's

31 Wilton Place, S.W.i.