Touring Abroad

To the Editors:

Having just returned from my first trip to Europe, I was excited by your story on the large number of Americans vacationing overseas [July 25]. The hassle of travel is part of the fun. It also helps to keep your sense of humor. Nevertheless, I found the people friendly, the countries beautiful and the guides knowledgeable. I cannot wait to go back.

Diane Conrad Emmaus, Pa.

Your article on the large numbers of Americans who are traveling overseas this year was great. But you neglected to mention an outstanding bargain, Manila. Hotels there are first class, and room, board and shopping are hard to beat.

Earle T. Binckley Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Contrary to what you say, the Ugly American is alive and well. He is staying at the Bristol in Paris for a "bargain" $124 a night and is refusing to learn about the French people and culture. When I traveled abroad, I stayed in inexpensive private rooms and pensions where I got to know the ordinary people.

Diane Timmerman Indianapolis

I resent your attitude that travel in Europe must be expensive to be good. An intimate pension in Florence, an inn on a quiet beach on Mykonos or a quaint hotel in London: that is the kind of place people prefer today. Many American tourists do not care where the Hilton is, and do not spend $10 on breakfast in Rome.

Lisa A. Forte New York City

I do not understand why Americans want to leave their own beautiful country, which has everything. Why prowl about expensive London or wander through old castles and ruined coliseums, when close at hand you have bright, invigorating scenes? I have made five trips to the U.S. and loved every minute. I am pushing 90, but still hope to reach Idaho before fate cries halt.

Rex Coley King's Lynn, England

Arming Iran

In your article on the illegal sale of arms to the Ayatullah Khomeini [July 25], you point out that millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made weapons flow to Iran. One would think that U.S. armament firms would be satisfied with the huge profits they make on Defense Department contracts, along with the generous subsidies for research and development. But by supplying arms to Iran, these merchants are selling their pride, their patriotism and their moral credibility.

Greg Smith Canyon, Texas

We should continue to sell arms and spare parts to Iran. If we do not, someone else will, probably the U.S.S.R. In addition, the interminable war between Iran and Iraq creates a heavy drain on Iran's economy, which can only hasten the demise of Khomeini's government.

David A. Lathrap Lafayette, Calif.

The Ayatullah is crazy like a fox. It is we who are the lunatics supplying weapons to our enemies.

Frank Quinn Elm Grove, Wis.

Goose and Gander Gap

The story "Getting a Gender Message" [July 25] noted several complaints women have about President Reagan's record on women's issues. Women should realize that Reagan has done more for us than have so-called liberal Presidents. He put a woman on the Supreme Court, which is more concrete than giving lip service to the ERA, as his predecessor did.

Rena Schilsky New York City

The picture accompanying your article on the National Women's Political Caucus convention shows four Congresswomen, two of whom are wearing open-toe shoes appropriate for the beach rather than Congress. Unless women take a more professional approach to their work, they will continue to be left behind.

Margaret C. Loftus San Francisco

In the picture of the four Congresswomen, I saw not unshaven legs, but eight nicely turned ankles.

Frederick P. Cullen Jr. Chancellor, Ala.

Supporting a presidential candidate for his views on feminine issues shows a ack of political maturity and an overabundance of emotionalism. Most women are more intelligent than that.

Barry Moroney Palo Cedro, Calif.

Congressional Censure

The condemnation given the two congressmen who admitted having sex with congressional pages was puny punishment [July 25]. Americans expect these young people to learn about our Government while in Washington, not to be instructed in sex by Congressmen.

Paul Barber Colorado Springs, Colo.

As one of Congressman Gerry Studds' constituents, I can explain why we are "surprisingly supportive" of him. No Representative has done so much to protect our environment or shown so much respect for our wishes.

Jane Carlee Nantucket, Mass.

I was a congressional page in 1980, an experience I look back upon as unique and wonderful. What a few pages or Congressmen did privately should not downgrade the Congress or the page system.

Tanya Johnson Briarcliff Manor, N. Y.

Blame for Acid Rain

As a member of the National Academy of Sciences committee that prepared the recent study on acid rain, I am concerned that your story [July 11] has misinterpreted our report. You implied that we concluded that reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide from plants in the Midwest would significantly reduce acid rain in the Northeast. Our report did not say this. While there is a link between sulfur dioxide emissions over the eastern U.S. and acid rain over the same region, the contribution of Midwestern sources to acid rain in the Northeast remains unknown.

Volker A. Mohnen Albany

G.I. ID

While I appreciate the technology that has enabled us to put a soldier's complete record on his plastic microchip dog tag, [July 25], I am appalled at what could happen if a G.I. were captured. The enemy would be able to read the information with his own computer, thereby leaving the soldier unprotected and destroying the doctrine of "name, rank and serial number."

Edward F. Mrkvicka Jr. Marengo, Ill. This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so viewer discretion is required.