Sir: It is about time people stopped to look at
the situation in true perspective. In Vietnam we Sir: It is about time people stopped to look at the situation in true perspective. In Vietnam we
have a testing-ground for new weapons and tactics which at the same time helps to keep the popula- tion down. The peasants living there are in such poverty that if they are burned to death in their houses or blown up in the paddy-fields it saves them the worthless struggle of trying to live in a war-torn community. It also keeps the American people employed, yet at the same time stops them from becoming too rich.
Suppose the war did stop. Think of the havoc $25,000 million would cause if suddenly put in the hands of consumers! Think of the unemploy- ment and misery it would cause. The aircraft in- dustry would be in ruins! The Dow Jones indus- trial index would fall two points! Think of the poor peasants having to eat Chinese rice instead of American grain. No longer the chance of a quick death, only that of a slow one over as long as eighty years.
Other countries would be hit badly, too. Russia would have no outlet for her obsolete weapons. Hong Kong would have hardly any warships call- ing there and no American soldiers; her economy would be devastated. Think of the newspapers devoid of articles on the subject. Think of the colour supplements with no horrific pictures; their sales would drop immediately. But worst of all would be the end of the United Nations, which would have nothing left to discuss. The British government would have to invent another depart- ment to employ Lord Caradon. This would mean extending the Civil Service, which would in turn send the standard rate of income tax up a penny.
There is no need to be an economist to draw the obvious conclusion from this. Three cheers for Mr Johnson: this warm-hearted gentleman, by putting a few poor peasants out of their misery, is supporting the whole world on his shoulders. By the way, Hercules, India could do with a bit of help too!
P. V. Waddington Hall A, Truro School, Truro, Cornwall
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