Letter: Sad Soames

Sir: Having had the honour of command at sea, where total responsibility for all activities in the ship has always been accepted, I am appalled by the antics of the Armed Forces Minister over Gulf War illness ("Labour pressures Soames to resign", 27 February).

Anyone aspiring to, and attaining, high office must surely appreciate that the power and glory brings with it moral obligations and accountability. The sight of Soames whingeing and blaming subordinates and doing no more than threatening disciplinary action on others, is both sad and pathetic.

PETER DALRYMPLE SMITH

Captain, Royal Navy (Retd)

Bath