Did you ever serve in the armed forces, Mr Carroll?

If you had, I'm sure you would know that, within that close community, there are certain conventions which would be considered offensive in the outside world.

Among those conventions, the use of nicknames is almost universal in military circles. They do not signify bigotry on the part of users, but rather a degree of easy respect between colleagues with a common purpose.

It is very akin to black people using the term Nigga amongst themselves, which would rightly be inappropriate, if I were to use it.


Somebody saw an opportunity to make some money, stole the video tape, and sold it to the News of the World, thereby bringing the whole matter into the public eye when that scurrilous rag also saw profit in publishing it.

1. Don't try to tell me that aversion to racism played any part in those actions, because you know damn well that neither party gives a damn about anything other than making money.

2. I repeat. This would never have seen the light of day, but for the fact that it was Prince Harry.

3. Your assumption that the lieutenant WAS offended, but dare not say so is simply that, AN ASSUMPTION, without the least evidence or credibility.

4. Do not presume to make assumptions as to whether or not I am a racist.

I loathe racists with a passion, and am the first to speak out against scum like the BNP, but racism is not just about a word, it is also about intent.

I feel that further explanation would be wasted on you as you obviously are incapable of seeing beyond the word to what lies behind.

Indeed you are more bigotted in your hatred of the Royal Family, than I could ever be about race.

Don T.