25 FEBRUARY 1966, Page 6

The Navy's Salute

Sir David Luce Wonders what's the use Of making a holocaust Of the dollar-cost?

If they want the Phantom We can decant 'em, And the Spey-Mirage Is a mirage.

But with a swing

In its wing And a snag In its drag, What do we want with F 111s?

Gracious Heavens, If we want to stop the rot, We must drop the lot,

The confrontation will never get easier

In Indonesia, Unless we have the aircraft carrier As the only satisfactory barrier.

Thank God, we'll have it till 1975,

When most of us will be no longer alive.

CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS