7 JULY 1961, Page 28

ORDEAL IN COURT

SIR,—In his excellent article 'Ordeal in Court' Si Basil Henriques avoids one fundamental point, Wh should the child of a non-Christian be expected to swear by the Christian God? Adults have the free dom to 'affirm' rather than take an oath that I meaningless or offensive to them. Children must b given the same freedom. Perhaps they are? In anY event, if a child has not learned to take the words 'I promise' seriously, it is unlikely that any additional words will make any difference.—Yours faithfully

KIT MOEJA Burge,,,, KetelaarAtraat Ia. Warmond, Holland