TIME'S main function is to report the news of the week--the real and significant news from wherever our editors and correspondents can ferret it out. That has been our purpose from the start. But in these critical days, TIME, as most of you know, often finds it necessary to give a summary of the events and policies which have brought the world to its present state. Such a summary appeared in our issue of Jan. 15. It was called "Giant in a Snare."

"Giant in a Snare" has had a tremendous mail response. Most of the letters came from people who read the story in TIME. Others heard it read over the CBS network, or saw it published by us as a newspaper advertisement under the title, "An American Point of View."

The article, as you remember, discussed the state of mind of Americans in the turmoil of the Great Debate. It pointed out that our leaders are too fearful; that they plot policy as if this nation were a helpless giant. It reviewed the too many cases in which the U.S. is thinking defensively (in terms of uncrossable lines and protective loops) instead of affirmatively about its spheres of interest around the world.

Here are comments from the letters:

"It is a specimen of masterly journalism which has the rhythm of good and lashing literature. The historical timing is also perfect. An article that will last and be thought over--I hope --by 'whomever it may concern.' We find in it, with clarity of judgment and satirical style, a very fine and sharply succinct analysis of facts as they really are--in true perspective. The tone of the writing reminds one of the political writings of Voltaire."--Roger Lalonde of Quebec, Canada.

". . . In a day of journalistic variance and turmoil, your article, with wise analyzing and sound sense, hit the nail on the head!"--Monique Baylin of San Francisco.

". . . Without any doubt the most important contribution to the Great Debate up to this moment... I move that we nominate the author of that magnificent article for President of the United States. We need his kind of men, with courage, vision and enthusiasm, to guide the destiny of these United States, and thereby the rest of the world--including Russia."--Harald Omsted of Pasadena, Calif.

". . . Unfortunately a stiffening of the national spine is increasingly essential these days. Thanks for tugging on the corset strings."--John P. Hilburn of Washington, D.C.

". . . The paralyzing effect of the 'passive U.S. attitude' is being felt everywhere, at home, and among our allies, but until this issue of TIME, there had been no clear-cut explanation of why the paralysis existed. Both American and U.N. governing circles can now see wherein the paralysis has germinated."--Warren Cheney of Flushing, N.Y.

Missouri's Senator Thomas C. Hennings Jr. asked his staff to study "Giant in a Snare." Said he: "I've read it twice already. It states just what has needed to be made plain for a long time." New Hampshire's Senator Styles Bridges put it in the Congressional Record on the day the magazine hit newsstands. Various people suggested that it be made required reading for groups as different as civic-club members, high-school students, State Department officials, and Congressmen.

Others requested (and got) free reprints to pass out among business associates and friends.

Perhap , the most significant reaction came in the frequent references readers made to other hard--and heroic--days in the nation's tradition:

"... The principles of thought which sent our clipper ships around the world in spite of the pirates of Barbary, which put Perry into Nippon and John Paul Jones into the Russian Navy! More power to you! Let's wake up and quit thinking in terms of little loops!"--Philip R. White of Willow Grove, Pa.

". . . On recapturing the vision of Lincoln . . . His was not a vision of a static, but of a dynamic American Union, not fearful of its own security but hopeful of achieving a world union . . ." -- Frank D. Slocum of New York City.

'. . . To put it bluntly, it seems to me that the snare that holds us is fear -- fear of losing our allies, fear of the future judgments of history, fear of getting hurt ourselves. Where would America be today if the Pilgrim Fathers had let this kind of fear dictate their actions? As the signers of the Declaration of Independence said, 'For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.' It was a solemn pledge of all they held dear for the sake of justice. I don't believe that spirit has gone out of these United States . . ." -- Elizabeth Boardman of Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Cordially yours, James A. Linen

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.