DEFENDING TOM CLANCY

Jack Miles’ review of “The Cardinal of the Kremlin” is a most biased, slanted, and inaccurate editorial piece disguised as a book review, just one more example of misinformed liberal hysteria concerning SDI that has been spread throughout the world with total disregard for truth and practicality.

SDI is not an ENGINEERING debate; it is a PSYCHOLOGICAL one. Ignore for a moment the question of whether SDI will work. If the Soviets BELIEVE that it will work, then SDI will be a major force for stability, deterrence and peace. But the Soviets so far have given every indication that they firmly believe that it WILL work. If they honestly thought it would be a failure, would they not ENCOURAGE us to waste money on it? No, SDI will work, and the Soviets know it, and they don’t want us to have it because (like everything else that we actually compete on), if we try we win.

KENNETH C. MITCHELL

SAN FRANCISCO

ARCHITECT JULIA MORGAN