21 AUGUST 1971, Page 23

Moonshine

Sir: It is not for scientific spin-offs that Americans are proud to have sent men to the moon, as Captain Bean allowed. And it is not for pure scientific knowledge, as Prof Fruchtbaum contends. Most Americans, like most foreigners, supported, and continue to support, the moon expeditions simply because they are magnificent, sir — magnificent!

Robert Herron 43 Jane Street, New York