THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
Sta,—On several occasions during the past year or so, you have done me the honour of publishing my letters on the need for a policy on which all progressive, non-Socialist elements in the country could unite with some political effect. It is thus not surprising that I thought the publication of Design for Freedom was exactly what was needed. When, therefore, in your leading article last week I find you just dismissing it with the sentence, " Captain Peter Thorneycroft's well-intentioned ' Design for Freedom' has fallen completely flat," I feel both entitled and bound to register my protest. Firstly, I deny that it has fallen so very flat. At any rate I am told that the number of copies ordered will soon reach six figures and that it is arousing deep interest throughout the country. Secondly, what was expected of it—an immediate Con- servative-Liberal alliance? Such an unlikely happening is surely out of the question in view of the standpoints taken up by the leaders of the two parties. No, the first publication of the Design for Freedom Com- mittee is but the start of a movement which, I suggest, will grow into great significance when the General Election comes upon us. I am more than ever sure, as a result of the recent crisis, that there is a great body of middle-of-the-road opinion which is awaiting a new deal from the politicians. Whether the Liberal or Conservative parties will grasp this rare opportunity we shall see ; that will be the crux of the next General Election. Meanwhile, leaders of moderate opinion—such as yourself, Sir, for example—should encourage rather than belittle one of the most hopeful signs of the times.—Yours faithfully,
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