Letters, Jun. 26, 1944

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First There Was One

Sirs:

A few days ago I had the opportunity of reading your issue of May 15. TIME is again circulating in Salvador, freely and uncut.

I was interested in your account of the revolution [against Dictator President Martinez] and its second phase, the strike. The statements are truthful and the information accurate. What interested me most of all was your statement that at least one copy of TIME got through. . . . Here is the story of that copy:

The copy was brought from outside by an innocent traveler. This traveler probably took care of hiding it from the eyes of customs officers who were on the lookout for it. But it did not escape our attention. The traveler did not suspect when the page containing the article was torn out of his magazine. The page was rushed to an official translator and afterwards given to trusted friends with instructions to make as many copies as they could.

Meanwhile, the rumor was started that TIME'S April 17th issue carried an article describing the situation. This was confirmed by the expurgated copies received by subscribers. After a couple of days the public's interest was ripe. . . . When this happened, copies were distributed one at a time under the condition that each recipient make at least ten copies and distribute them. Some time later half of Salvador was typing copies, and the other half was reading them. As far as we know, nobody was caught red-handed typing out translated copies of TIME'S article.

We have freedom now, and none of us would be in danger if we were to sign this. But to do so would involve third parties who cannot afford to be connected with political affairs one way or the other. That is why this letter will be signed only with a. . . .

El Salvador

The Issues

Sirs:

"The Gags Begin" (TIME, June 5) relieved my mind of a great worry. I had been fearful lest the forthcoming Presidential campaign would revolve abound questions of labor policy, international relations, taxes and such other piddling items used as bases for vote-getting. The high courage displayed by certain Democrats in exposing the cleverly concealed fact that Tom Dewey is only 5 ft. 8 in. tall has heartened me no end. I know now the campaign is to be marked by fearless orations on issues of paramount importance.

Should Republicans show an equal degree of fortitude by pointing out that FDR is growing bald, battle lines will be sharply drawn, the debates powerful and enlightening. . . .

PAUL E. BALDWIN

Chicago

Sirs:

After three years of interviewing women, I can report that if Willkie had bought a bottle of hair oil, he would now be President. I can also report that if Dewey will trim his mustache he will be our next President.

ARTHUR C. BURNETT Houston

That Irish Mile

Sirs:

We found your article on General Sir Harold Alexander (TiME, June 5) most interesting. However, aren't you a bit charged up on his athletic prowess? According to you, he ran an Irish mile (6,721 feet) in 4 minutes 33 seconds. At that rate of speed he covered a legitimate mile in approximately 3 minutes and 38 seconds, plus the fact that he had to travel another 1,441 feet at a comparable rate of speed. This is 24 seconds better than the world record. The timekeepers must have kissed the Blarney Stone.