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Letters

Letters to the Editor

Wednesday, 17th October 2007

Sir: It can be difficult when reading a review of a book one has not read to know whether the opinions are those of the author or reviewer. In Michael Howard’s review of Max Hastings’s book on the Pacific war (Books, 6 October), one or other appears to conflate views and attitudes held at the grand strategic, strategic and what is now termed operational levels. For all his strengths, Admiral Ernest King was not the totality of the United States Navy (USN). While he personally opposed the Royal Naval deployment to the Pacific theatre in 1944, the USN co-operated fully in its equipping and operational training (e.g. USS Saratoga and Sourabaya attacks). Nor am I aware of any evidence of ‘mutual contempt’ between the ships companies of the USS Houston and HMS Exeter in early 1942 or later. Indeed the deployment of HMS Victorious to the Pacific in 1942-43 at the request of the USN to cover a ‘carrier gap’ suggests rather mutual respect. When in 1944 the Royal Navy contributed a full carrier task force of four fleet carriers with its fleet train (TF57), it made a not dissimilar contribution proportionately to the Pacific campaign as the USN made to the battle of the Atlantic. I would not describe the latter as ‘rather pathetic’, nor should it be applied to TF57.

Surgeon Rear Admiral M.A. Farquhar-Roberts
Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire

Simple chemistry

Sir: Elliot Wilson writes in his biofuels article: ‘A single ton of refined palm oil generates 33 tons of carbon dioxide emissions — 10 times more than petroleum’ (Business, 6 October).

A ton of palm oil, or indeed petroleum, coal or any other fuel, can only contain at a maximum one ton of carbon, and generally a bit less, depending on the proportion of hydrogen, nitrogen and other elements. Burning one ton of carbon from any source can only produce a maximum of 3.28 tons of CO2 — that is simple chemistry.

So is Mr Elliott talking about the CO2 cost of the other components of the production chain, such as forest or peat-swamp destruction, fertiliser, processing or transport? If so, he should say so clearly and cite his authority for the number. Depending on the origin of a particular crop, where it is grown, what it displaces, processing and transport, the figure for other costs will vary enormously. Why 33 tons? Why not 10, 20, 30 or 40?

There are many, many concerns about the destruction of forests to produce palm oil; Mr Elliott would add clarity to the discussion by indicating the range of uncertainty of these other costs.

David Hutton-Squire
Northallerton, North Yorkshire

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Bryan Stokes

March 11th, 2008 5:03am

Paul Johnson's 'Ten Perfect Poems ...' (1March, '08, page 25) is a very stimulating contribution to modern literature. What weekly magazine, apart from yours and perhaps the Atlantic Monthly, would devote so much space and money to such a frivilous essay? I appreciate that,as Mr Johnson states, every selection of short English poems is subjective & personal, but how eclectic and idiosycratic of him to choose thus. It speaks volumes for both his formal and subsequent self-education. I'd never heard of Francis Thompson and so thoroughly enjoyed 'At Lords' once I'd googled it and printed it off, as I did all those mentioned and selected, thanks to the marvels of the internet. Mr. Johnson surely is a true polymath along with James & Rushdie. Here in Perth West Australia, at the antipodes, we feel a little cut off from London's literary life, but thanks to the Johnsons and your other fine columnists (especially 'Ancient & Modern's Peter James) civilization seems a little closer, remebering Singapore & Sydney are 4 hours away by plane. I thoroughly enjoy your magazine (Joan Collins' Oscar notes were amusing as was Rod Liddle's take on Boris' mayoral antics. Thanks for everything - a real joy!