THE RED ARMY [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—In public speeches, and letters to the Press, efforts 'are now being made to undermine British confidence in the Soviet Army and Air Force. Herr Hitler, who is probably well informed on such matters, told Lord Londonderry that Russia has " the strongest Army, the strongest Tank Corps and the strongest Air Force in the world (Ourselves and Germany, p. 99). True, this was some time ago, and there have been a number of executions of Red Army officers since. But it is at least as reasonable to conclude that these executions have strengthened the Red Army, as to assume that they have weakened it. An army is not weakened by weeding out disaffection and treachery.
Moreover, it may be noted that the Soviet authorities had sufficient confidence in their Army and Air Force to stand firm against Japan recently. They also showed complete readiness to uphold their obligations in relation to Czecho- slovakia, and did this quietly without the ostentation and bluster which so often accompany a sense of military weakness.
—Yours faithfully, HUGH P. Vowt.as. The Old Rectory, Harescombe, Glos.
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