15 MAY 1947, Page 17

CAMOUFLAGING CONSCRIPTION SIR,—Apropos of Janus's remarks about an alternative name

for " conscripts," the first peace-time National Service Act was passed in the spring or summer of 1939, and came into operation just before. the outbreak of war. Men called up under that Act were officially referred to as "militia-men." If my memory is right, the first batch of militia-men were called up in July, 1939, and—it is interesting to note— their period of continuous service was to be restricted under the Act to six months. The war broke out long before their six months' service was completed, and so they were held " for the duration." The name "militia-men " might well be revived. Another alternative to " conscript " is the American term "draftee," but that would probably not find favour