28 APRIL 1950, Page 18

Deserters

SIR,—It was my duly, during the last war as well as in the previous one, to question many hundreds of deserters, who passed through my hands to " durance vile." I have no hesitation in affirming that, in 99 cases out cf 100, if the offenders had had the knowledge plus the gumption to put their case before their Commanding Officers, sufficient help would have been forthcoming to enable them to cope with the heart-rending domestic troubles which faced them. These men did not know the ropes. Some of the domestic situations were appalling.—I have the honour to be your