28 SEPTEMBER 1945, Page 14

Sta,—As a member of the Liberal Party I was naturally

interested in Mr. Hogg's letter, asserting the community of views between Liberals and Tory Reformers. I quite agree. But does Mr. Hogg really think that even with Liberal aid the Tory Reformers could really capture the Conservative party? He himself writes in the Daily Mail of the incredible complacency of the party's leaders even after such an overwhelming defeat. He admits by implication the complete failure of the Reform Committee to educate, let alone capture, the party, a failure made manifest throughout the election campaign.

Col. W. A. Sinclair displayed a surer logic when, seeing the verdict of 'the electors unreflected in the composition and policy of the Central Office, he declined to fight again under the Tory banner. The Tory Reformers should have the true courage of their convictions and break all connection with the discredited Party. Then common sense would dictate a merger with the Liberals. The name of the new party is immaterial. What matters is that in 195o the electorate should be pre- sented, as an alternative to the Socialist Commonwealth, with a compre- hensive reformist programme, instead of the sterile reaction which is all that can be expected from a Conservative Party waiting confidently