18 AUGUST 1950, Page 18

Gambit

SIR,—In the game of chess it is the threat move that forces the opponent's hand. The policy of the Communist bloc is to bring increasing pressure upon our vital squares and thus compel counter-measures against attack. But why, should that direct attack ever materialise? Slowly, but surely the Atlantic bloc is being forced into a suicidal "zugswane position, and once armament expenditure has reduced living standards to a sufficiently low level, the Communist creed will automatically penetrate to the inner defences. It would be well to remember that " hungry dogs eat dirty puddings."—Yours faithfully, H. de B. SAUNDERS. Wylderne, Gt. Kimble, Aylesbury, Bucks.