Burnt-out bobby

Allan Massie’s article on Britain’s role in international policing (Perspective, 8 April) reminded me of hearing a broadcast by Clement Attlee when he was prime minster.

Announcing the end of Pax Britannica he said, in his dry, precise tones, that, simply,”the British bobby is getting tired”.

Said bobby is now not just tired; he is exhausted and long past retirement.

Moreover, his boots are down at heel and his truncheon has woodworm.

S Beck

Edinburgh