THE anti-American outburst by the Rev D G Griffin is hardly what one expects from a man of the cloth but certainly typifies an attitude prevalent among British armed forces in the Second World War.

It was only natural that there should be resentment of the smartly uniformed, well-paid young men who invaded our country in such large numbers.

British servicemen, in their ungainly, cheap, rough-serge were paid but a pittance. It was only natural who the girls would fall for. Glamourised by Hollywood, more fuel was added to the fire of resentment.

Moreover, they carried unheard-of luxury with them into battle zones. British Jack Tars looked down with contempt on warships with such luxuries as showers, bathrooms, refrigerators and Coca Cola machines.

Until the 1950s, Jack had little more than a bucket in which to carry out all ablutions.

But those of us who really knew the Americans realised they were friendly, kindly and generous to a fault. They failed to understand typical British reserve and were, and still are, deeply hurt when we spurn or reject their offers of kindness.

We tend to look with suspicion and distrust, seeking the concealed catch and inventing one when we fail to find it.

Somehow, I do not think the Reverend gentleman acquired his opinions of Americans at theological college.

JOHN HINTON.

Worcester.