ONE can only be humbled by the magnificent way in which the Russian Army fought and sacrificed so many young men during the last war.

But I am afraid that Bertie Lewis is a bit confused between this fact and what communism is really all about. Go and live in an ex-communist ruled state, as I do, Mr Lewis, talk to the people about living conditions under 'Red rule', how the intellects did not choose to leave, but were rather either detained or, worse still, permanently 'hidden' from public eyes. (My polite terminology for assassinated). Indeed, even the present President of my home was imprisoned on many occasions for his democratic ideals and his intellect.

No, Mr Lewis, we should be striving to rid the world of socialism, not celebrating its birth. G C Gibson Czech Republic