2 DECEMBER 1960, Page 12

I too am ashamed that one of my countrymen Can

be kicked to death on a public footpath bY hooligans in search of money.

BUT

I am surprised that the moral responsibility for this revolting crime can be so lightly regarded and so easily put aside:

I am surprised that it should be assumed that three deaths arc necessarily worse than one. whatever the quality of the lives thus ended:

I am surprised that murder should be regarded *15 a venial act except when it is committed by 3 self-protecting society:

I am surprised that nobody has been able to saY how the bad man is to be given the opportunitY to repent, without increasing the danger to the possible victims of his badness:

I am surprised that no critic has been able to Pot forward a constructive solution to this problem, which will have regard to the proper interests both of the individual and of society:

am surprised that no consideration has been given to the possibility of using those who commit crimes against society for experimental purposes in the interests of society. thus providing the °P' portunity for an act of repentance and the material for an act of reparation.

MAURICE JACKS

The Four Winds, Pitch Hill. Ewhurst, Surrey