8 FEBRUARY 1975, Page 5

Withdrawal from Ulster

Sir: I do not know who 'Senior Officer' is, if in fact he really be one; but one thing is clear — that is, that one does not 'withdraw' one's own troops from one's own country in a war! Neither does one talk about it.

This article is not only out of court, therefore, but even within its context full of omission. There can be no withdrawal without a failure in duty by the Army — should that happen then of course all Irish regiments including the Armoured Tank Regiment in BAOR, plus equipment, would go back to Ulster. I suggest that 'Senior Officer' be sacked and replaced by someone with a more dynamic positive approach to the defence of his country, and the defeat of its enemies.

William Baird The Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London SW1