4 MAY 1962, Page 15

ALDERMASTON was interested in Starbuck's comments on the Easter March,

which I watched in its entirety at Hammersmith and then joined as far as Sloane Square.

Compared with two years ago, when 1 last wit- nessed this procession, the average age of the marchers was indeed considerably lower. Those whom I was able to observe at close quarters were well behaved, serious, and by no means fanatical.

That a greater number of Communist and Young Communist groups participated (though to me they did not seem to 'preponderate') was, I agree, regret- table. There is, of course, always some danger o! cynical elements on the extreme Left attempting to 'cash in' on the genuine concern and idealism of those of all ages and persuasions who feel a very deep abhorrence of nuclear arms.

This poses a dilemma: in what way can a per- son who is certainly not a Communist—not even a Socialist—but who none the less believes that Britain would be a safer and happier place without those monstrous weapons, seek support for a non- nuclear defence and foreign policy?

Coud not the risk of a Marxist 'take-over bid' be obviated if greater numbers of non-Marxists sup- ported CND? Ought CDN, perhaps, to decline Com- munist participation in its marches and meetings?

I ask these questions in genuine bewilderment, and with deep disquiet.

LIBERAL CHRISTIAN