26 NOVEMBER 1965, Page 10

SIR,—The Prime Minister and others who accuse the Rhodesians of

treason seem to have forgotten that under the provisions of the Treason Act 1814 the only punishment for high treason is hanging. The recent 'no-hanging' legislation dealt only with murder.

Does the Government propose to hang Mr. Smith and his adherents, or will the Lord Chancellor, Mr. Silverman and their fellow abolitionists take steps to alter the law in this respect?

R. L. TRAVERS Junior Carlton Club, Pall Mall, London, SW1