THE Rev D G Griffin's idea that America "through its propaganda machine steals the courage and valour of the men and women of another nation to the glorification of their own" is a gross misunderstanding of America and the American people generally.

There is no doubt that Britain could not have won the war without the help of America. But talk to any American ex-serviceman about the war and you will have no doubt as to how Americans see their role in the conflict.

Not only will they talk in hugely glowing terms of admiration in every conceivable way about the British servicemen and women, they also very quickly and freely acknowledge that they only jumped in towards the end to "lend a hand".

PHIL HINTON,

Florida, USA