19 APRIL 1946, Page 13

" LIBERALS UNDAUNTED "

SIR,—LL-Col. Byers in his analysis of Liberalism seems curiously un- informed as to its past history and formation. He denies that there is anything rigidly doctrinaire about modern Liberalism, but he completely ignores the inescapable fact that a political theory which approaches problems from the standpoint of the individual cannot help being doctri- naire, any more than Socialism can help being the same in its t ontinual emphasis upon the beneficent influence of the State. If he denies that the present Liberal Party are wedded to the conception of the individual as the most important political and economic entity, then he is turning his back on all that Liberalism has stood for in the past, and upon all that has ever made its influence beneficial. Liberal policy must be doctrinaire if it is to remain true to its traditions. If it is ever to be a power for good again it must champion the cause of individual freedom instead of pursuing the present policy of solidarity with Socialism so favoured by its Parliamentary leaders.—Yours faithfully,

junior Carlton Club, Pall Mall, S.W. 1.

RICHARD FEILDEN.