26 SEPTEMBER 1941, Page 13

Sts,—Liberals view with interest and approval the constructive com- ments

of " Janus " upon Liberal reunion. The spiteful and ill-advised comments of Miss F. L. Josephy and Mr. Leonard Stein are surprising. Miss Josephy gives her "King Charles' Head " its periodic airing. This is to be regretted. The policies of 1918-1939 belong to an era that cannot and must not return. They should be forgotten except in so far as we can profit from the mistakes that were made then. We must put aside our garment of self-righteousness, our satisfaction in retrospect, and dedicate ourselves to the great task of Liberal reconstruction that lies ahead.

Mr. Stein might be forgiven his venom if his facts were correct. He has not even that excuse. The Parliamentary Liberal Party for many years prior to the war gave its wholehearted support to any proposal for rearmament that strengthened the hand of those anxious to resist aggression. The division-lists of the House of Commons disprove his contention.

All who profess the Liberal faith must work together now to

proclaim an agreed Liberal programme. Our differences at the present time are artificial. Excellent Liberal speaking and thinking is coming from members of both sections of the Party in Parliament. The recent Liberal National Council meeting passed resolutions on policy that should be acceptable to all progressives. It will be tragic if present jealousies and past differences prevent the two sections going forward as a strong united party pledged to a popular policy of social reform and international justice.

Liberalism has always tolerated and cultivated a breadth of political outlook. It can use the talents and leadership of Sinclair and cl Hore- Belisha, of Richard Acland and Edgar Granville, of Herbert Samuel and Ernest Brown,. of Megan Lloyd George and Clement Davies and of Leonard Stein and F. L. Josephy.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, :8 Markiston Crescent, Edinburgh, ro, IVOR R. M. DAVIES.