18 OCTOBER 1986, Page 26

Japs'

Sir: Would Jock Bruce-Gardyne (The eco- nomy, 4 October) explain why he finds it necessary continually to refer to the Japanese as `Japs'? Perhaps he means it affectionately. But I can assure him that the Japanese themselves find the term deeply offensive, reminiscent as it is of a wartime past which we should all have put behind us. I should imagine that `Brother Kraut' feels the same way.

Stephen D. Barber

6 Delaford Street, London SW6