UNLIKE vast countries such as Russia, China and America, in small densely-packed Britain, lines between town and country are, in reality, blurred. There is no cultural difference of which to speak.

Nevertheless, in postponing local and General Elections, because of the foot-and-mouth plague, Tony Blair has made concessions to, and shown considerable regard for, rural susceptibilities, whatever the Countryside Alliance and NFU may say.

In this context of postponed elections, let us remember that in 1945, a General Election took place while the war in the Far East was still raging. That election took place on July 5, 1945.

Results did not start to be declared until 20 days later. Votes, mainly of Armed Forces personnel had to be collected from most areas of the globe.

Even then, some could not be given the opportunity to vote - the hapless POWs languishing in foul Japanese camps.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.