31 MARCH 2001, Page 34

From E.S. Gardner Sir: Niall Ferguson (`The war against the

nation', 24 March) does not say how old his sons are. It may encourage him to know that the sevento nine-year-old boys at a local primary school are beginning to choose books with a war theme. Recent examples have included the Malta convoys, air raids and the Battle of Britain. Perhaps the tide is beginning to turn.

E. S. Gardner

Ilkley, West Yorkshire