Sir, -

In a revealing interview on October 9, Brig-Gen. (res.) Yiftah Spector is quoted as criticizing the decision to relieve him of his flying duties in the Air Force: "... in light of my political expressions - not while I was wearing a uniform and not in a military framework - last Friday [OC Air Force Maj.-Gen. Dan] Halutz summoned me to his office..."

Perhaps, as was hinted in the interview, Spector really didn't have time to read the letter before he signed it. He should consult the page of the Jerusalem Post where his interview appears and where part of the original letter is quoted. It states: "We, veteran and active pilots alike, who served and still serve the State of Israel..."

Clearly, the well-orchestrated media campaign about the letter was meant to emphasize the fact that it was signed by pilots, and the commander of the Air Force was absolutely right in the way he reacted.