THE numerous letters from Malcolm Pittock and his associates, referring to "The decision to use the Atomic Bomb" by Gar Alperovitz as if it were Holy Writ are becoming ridiculous.

Having taken a cursory look at this work on the internet, I would describe it as the collation of a mass of documents, most of which have been in the public domain for a very long time, presented in such a way that it will bring most discredit on US motives and actions in 1945.

In his letter to you on August 1, Mr Pittock claimed that this study "proved" that the US could have ended the war against Japan "months" earlier, if it had so wished.

It was interesting then, for me to find as I trawled through this so-called study, a document quoting a message from Japanese Foreign Minister Tejo to their ambassador in Moscow, Sato, reading "It is impossible for us to accept unconditional surrender, no matter in what guise, at this time." This message alone, sent on July 26, 1945 -- only 11 days before the Hiroshima bomb, belies Mr Pittock's claim and emphasises the continuing strength of influence on policy coming from the many diehards in the Japanese military caste.

Their version of honour had seen them prepared to sacrifice 110,000 of their troops in their failed defence of Okinawa between April and June, 1945, and, in that same period, Kamikaze suicide pilots sank or damaged 200 ships of the US navy. There was simply no sign of willingness to surrender, no matter what Alperovitz chooses to write, until August. So what was it that changed this mind set, Mr Pittock, if it was not the Atom Bombs?

Cyril Williams

Oakfield Close

Horwich, Bolton