WORD-HAPPY SIR,—Many of your contributors have given their views on
Mr. Wilson's verbal chastisement of the Member for Smethwick, an incident that does not seem to prove much except that the Prime Minister, when it suits him, can dispense with the accepted standards of controversy and good manners. Surely a much more serious issue is raised by Mr. Wilson's use of the Word "treason' in connection with the activities of Mr.' Ian Smith's Government? It suggests that the Prime Minister does not know what treason is. Treason is the most awful and personal of crimes—treachery by a subject towards the Queen to whom he owes allegiance. It can, of course, take a number of 'overt' forms—adhering to the. Queen's enemies, plotting to overthrow her rule. But it is not treason—yet—to disagree with Mr. Harold Wilson on a controversial political issue—and this applies whether the views held by either party to the dispute are progressive and right, or reactionary and wrong.
IS Chesham Street, Brighton
GERALD SPARROW
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