Soldiers' Votes

Sirs:

. . . I hope that mine will be only one of many letters of protest [on the soldier vote--TIME, Dec. 13] from the group most concerned, the servicemen themselves, whose opinions as well as whose rights in the matter have been completely ignored in the settlement.

As I understand, it, Congress has passed the buck to the individual states, and to the clumsy and difficult absentee-ballot system which most maintain. . . . Certainly no method of cutting the service vote more effective than the absentee-ballot system could be found, if that is what is desired.

(SGT.) JAMES E. PHILLIPS JR.

Fort MacArthur, Calif.

Sirs:

. . . For a long time now the humble State Governments have been batting their gums about too much federalization, and have been arguing themselves black and blue that States can handle the nation's problems much better than Washington. . . .

Please, Mr. & Mrs. State Legislators, don't let the simple fact that the large majority of us will very naturally stick by our Commander in Chief until his job is completed hold you down in getting the plans laid--quick.

ROBERT W. COOPER

Cincinnati

Work of Art

Sirs:

The photograph of the Big Three at Teheran (TIME, Dec. 13) is a work of art. . . . Whether by design or by accident, the respective chairs occupied and the attitudes assumed by Prime Minister Churchill, President Roosevelt, and Premier Stalin speak volumes.

Witness Mr. Churchill slouched comfortably in a well-stuffed piece, apparently of period design, a piece that typifies a bygone era. . . . Yet Mr. Churchill does not seem to reflect its attributes. Rather, his pensive and somewhat uncomfortable expression would indicate his realization that the elegance that was England is no more, that she will no longer regally dominate the bulk of the world's thought and the world's commerce.

Witness Mr. Roosevelt seated more erectly and less comfortably in a partially upholstered chair of modern design, a chair so typical of the New World where the ideal of utilitarianism and comfort in a piece of furniture is but one manifestation of a nation full of ideals. . . . Its occupant reflects its attributes. For his is the expression of the idealist, the poet of politics with head high. . . .

Witness Mr. Stalin seated more erectly and least comfortably in a nonupholstered swivel-type desk chair of rugged construction, a chair so typical of the ultimate in utilitarianism. . . . His expression reflects perfectly the attributes of his chair. It is that of the executive, the chief, the big shot. With eyes straight to the camera and, therefore, to the people of the world, he seems to sense that he is in the driver's seat, that he is No. 1 man. Yet there is present that suggestion of coldness and suspicion, call it caution or wariness if you will. He knows what he wants and he means to get it. . . .

E. W. SCHELDRUP, M.D.

Iowa City, Iowa

Poor Relations

Sirs:

I have just read your article "Poor Relations" in the issue of Dec. 6.

Bad feelings between Allies, particularly between Britain and the U.S., are obviously very undesirable, either now or in the postwar years when close cooperation will be an even greater need. . . .

Wherever Americans are stationed, they cause ill feeling by always having more money to spend than the men who fight by their side. If the American in Britain were paid British rates of pay and had the remainder assigned to his family at home or deposited in a bank account for him, he would have a fine nest egg to come home to--at the same time would have enough money to get along on. Thus one of the chief causes of irritation would be removed. . . .

(FLIGHT LIEUTENANT'S NAME WITHHELD)

R.C.A.F.

Trenton, Ont.

Free Slogan

Sirs:

Might I suggest a slogan for the Republican Campaign . . . "The Fifth Freedom--Freedom from Roosevelt!" . . .

LAURA FINLAY BUTLER

Natchez, Miss.

Canada at War

Sirs:

I have long thought of TIME as super. Now with Canada at War [in TIME'S Canadian edition] it's SUPERDUPER. . . .

K. W. BENNETT

Sudbury, Ont.

Sirs:

. . . A Canadian Department of TIME will . . . increase the mutual friendship and understanding between our peoples. . . .

J. P. NORRIE

Amos, Que.

Sirs:

. . . A thousand thanks. . . .

H. J. MACDONALD

Ottawa, Ont.

Sirs:

. . It will fill a real need.

N. A. GEORGE

Regina, Sask.

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