SIR — May I reply to your correspondent Nick Batho of Withypool (Your Letters September 4) who has put me firmly in my box over my remarks about General Sir David Richards, whose moral courage and leadership are not in question.

Mr Batho enquires as to my service record, and thereby my qualification to comment on military matters and, indeed, how well I am acquainted with the general.

I regret to confess that I have absolutely no generals whatever in my current social circle, although I have a good friend who shares my interest in old motor cars who has just retired as a brigadier (will that do?)

Older readers may recall a book by the late Spike Milligan called "Adolph Hitler And My Part In His Downfall'.

My military career, though less well publicised, had similar mirth-provoking moments, about which I may elaborate on another occasion.

In the mid 1950s I was a radar mechanic attached to the 2nd tactical air force as part of the British Army of the Rhine in northern Germany, where we operated two squadrons of brand new Hawker Hunters.

We were there as a deterrent to discourage the Russians from invading the rest of Europe. As such our campaign might be adjudged a great success, because the Russians didn't come, and our casualties were restricted to several exuberant young pilots writing off their new jets whilst practising.

By comparison, Iraq and Afghanistan have been disastrous.

It is politicians, not generals, who instigate wars, and then for political or expedient reasons decide when to conclude them.

We read in the national press that Gordon Brown is seeking to open a dialogue with "moderate" Taliban leaders with a view to a negotiated settlement.

We can only speculate as to how he is to distinguish a "moderate" Taliban warlord from an extremely nasty one.

With the level of government debt, it is clear that we cannot afford a protracted conflict, and with public support dwindling as the casualties mount he needs to get out of this mess if he is to have any chance in next year's elections.

It is against this political background that General Richards' predictions that we might be there in 40 years' time appear to me to be unwise and at odds with the present political regime.

From his letter, I suspect that Mr Batho is himself acquainted with General Richards. If this is so, then may I assure him that I intend no discourtesy, and I'm sure we all wish him every success in following Sir Richard Dannatt as army chief.

Stephen Dear,

Northfield Road,

Minehead.