26 AUGUST 1949, Page 15

simply, ALPINIST. SIR,--Everyone must agree with Janus in the Spectator

of August 19th, in his remarks as to the sadness of Alpine climbing tragedies ; as also to deaths on the roads and in the air. But let us not revert unconsciously to the pernicious between-wars doctrine of " Safety First." All must regret these losses of fine lives (not necessarily so young), but if the qualities of the British race are to be preserved, these accidents are inevitable, as he says, and in numbers infinitesimal.

To talk about the abandonment of Alpine climbing is grotesque, and, thank goodness, not possible to enforce—on the contrary one must encourage people to " take risks " in climbing, flying and other ventures.' Luckily, there would seem no need to do this.—Yours faithfully,