22 OCTOBER 1943, Page 12

SIR,—Mr. Reginald Swaby is a Conservative. I am a Socialist.

But we both read The Spectator, not only because of the high quality displayed in every department, but also because (presumably) we both find that it is true to its name and sees more of the game of life (though it isn't a game really, for there are so few rules to it) than the players. This being so, why on earth should Mr. Swaby object to The Spectator recognising the fact that wearers of red (or pink) shirts are some of the best and most numerous players in the field and not merely a " scruff " (if that will do as a noun of collection) of urchins, on the edge of the ground.

Mr. Swaby as a good Conservative must attach much value to games as the instiller of sportsmanship, and he should, therefore, in the political field as elsewhere, wish to see fair play and the best side win. Mr. Swaby should realise, too, that the celebrated " Red " trainer Harold Laski does in fact (to drop. the games analogy a moment) devote himself to the duties of his chair, which is none other than that of political science, and if Socialism isn't part of this, then Conservatism isn't either.

If it be deplored by .Mr. Swaby that their trainer sometimes advises the "Reds " to break the rules, it is only fair for Mr. Swaby to remember thpt the " Blues " often don't play to the rules at all. The Trades Disputes Act was a rotten foul to which no referee's whistle ever put a