LETTERS Mass cowardice
Sir: As one with a scanty knowledge of the United States and its citizens, based on no more than four visits and a number of personal friendships, I write to echo Vicki Woods's well-chosen and, apparently, all- too-accurate assessment ('Grounded chick- ens', 26 January) of what has to be called the mass panic affecting American would- he travellers during the current hostilities.
I am far from sure, however, that this is a uniquely American phenomenon since, as an occasional and reluctant traveller to London, I found two half-empty shuttle flights, a near-deserted Terminal One (with baggage that arrived at unpre- cedented speed) and uncluttered under- ground trains when I ventured south last week. I understand from French acquaint- ances that the situation is much the same in Paris.
I have to relate a shameful example of apparent mass cowardice (I cannot, in conscience, employ a less emotive word) on the part of our American cousins. For nearly two years I and an American friend have been working to arrange a week-long tour of Scotland by the American Society of Arms Collectors, the most distinguished body of its kind in that country. It is due to take place in September, eight months from now. On telephoning my American friend last week, I discovered not only that the Society's governing council had with- drawn its official backing to the tour but also that, of the original 200 people booked to attend, 112 had cancelled. I should, perhaps, point out that I write this not in a spirit of rancour at the diminished prospect of personal financial gain, since my ser- vices have been (and would be) provided free, but rather in one of amazement, disbelief and disgust. I am pleased to say that my American friend will still be arriving, alone if necessary, since he embo- dies the robust indifference to panic associ- ated with such genuine heroes of Amer- ica's proud past as J.E.B. Stuart, `Stonewall' Jackson and Daniel Farragut.
Stephen Wood
Boturich, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire
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