THE MAIL

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

In the last few weeks I have noticed and read eagerly several articles in which the oath of loyalty for the NROTC has been denounced both by official stand of the CRIMSON and by the Young Progressives. During this time I have seen not one letter published by an NROTC student, hence I feel it my duty to write, not as an official representative of the NROTC, but as a midshipman who is disgusted with the stand taken by both the CRIMSON and the Young Progressives.

The CRIMSON seems to have misled readers by implying that a midshipman will be discharged simply for attending a function similar to an AYD folk dance or some such thing. Such is not the case, since the oath demands the signer to outline in detail his relationship with any particular organization listed. This statement is then considered by a reviewing board which judges whether the activity is subversive or not. Obviously, no one will be expelled from the unit if he has not taken an active and supporting role in such an organization, in other words supporting the principles of the organization.

Mutuality Exclusive

Further, it seems obvious to me that no student could remain a member of both the NROTC and a subversive organization, since, in principle, the two are so completely opposed. There could be only two reasons for remaining in the NROTC while a member of a subversive organization: 1) purely to receive the money which the Navy pays its students and 2) to intentionally seek to carry the principles of the subversive group into the Navy upon graduation. Obviously, the Navy wants no one who is motivated by either of the above purposes.

Throughout this period of criticism against the loyalty oath I have heard no student who has singed it complain against intimidation. If there has been any silent disapproval, those who are not in favor have the opportunity to resign and follow whatever policies they wish--we have no concentration camps or bleak salt mines to which to send those who disagree with the polices of the government. Young Progressive take note. Douglas G. Shaw '50

1.) if the Navy does not consider presence at an AYD folk dance as potential evidence of subversive activity, why does it ask about participation in these functions? And even if the Navy could use such evidence to prove subversiveness, the asking has a serious deterrent effect far outweighing its value as providing information. 2.) Even if we could be sure that the lists of "subversive" organizations, made up without due process, are entirely accurate, we cannot accept the premise that members of subversive organizations are ipso facto subversive themselves. Obviously there can be more than the two reasons mentioned for remaining in both the NROTC and a subversive group.   Ed.