6 JUNE 1952, Page 17

Federation and Confederation

Sm,—Is it right to found the distinction between federal and confederate union on the assumption that the latter is a mere alliance creating no superior authority ? Is it not more accurate to say that while the central authority in a federal union can claim the direct obedience, within ascertained limits, of every individual in the whole body, the central authority of the confederate union can claim only the obedience of the constituent States, and has no direct legal power over their ' subjects ? In a mere alliance the parties retain complete independence; they may break their promise—but they are breaking no allegiance if they do.—Your obedient servant, T. M. BAT'. Itzinomige, Japan.