PRIVILEGE IN THE ARMY
SIR,—Mr. Jones has put his thumb on a very real source of grievance, and one which is only fully realised by those who have served overseas. When I last visited Cairo (as a sergeant in 1944) I was unable to obtain accom- modation at any hotel, as with very few exceptions these were in bounds to " officers only." The same prohibition applied to all the better-class clubs and cocktail bars, and if my experience is anything to go by, civilian hospitality was mainly confined to commissioned ranks. This state of affairs was particularly humiliating to R.A.F. aircrew N.C.0_s, whose duties and responsibilities were identical with those of their officer colleagues. Now, it appears, further irritation is being caused in B.A.O.R. by the imposition of a curfew, which applies to other ranks only.—Yours
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