Letter: Turn to face Japan

Sir: Many who served in Burma will have welcomed the letter from the Chairman of the Burma Campaign Fellowship Group (23 May). This campaign - the longest in the Second World War - was fought often in dreadful conditions and always against a brave and skilful enemy. It is tragic and against the interests of our two countries that traces of the enmity of those days should persist.

There are issues we should discuss with Japan. For instance, are the full facts about the events of the 1930s and 1940s available to the new generations in Japan through schools, universities and the media? Are Japanese veterans of those wars encouraged to talk and write of their experiences? Are there practical ways in which the youth of our two countries can work together to forge new partnerships? We can settle these issues only face to face.

Those who would turn their backs should remember that anger, however justified, never was a wise counsellor. And they should ask themselves whether they may be turning their backs not only on their Sovereign and her guests, but also on the honour of those of our comrades who, to paraphrase the inscription on the memorial at Kohima, for our tomorrow gave their today.

Sir DONALD MAITLAND

Bath