However. if it is gift packages of food and old clothing that is meant. then Americans of Czechoslovak descent state most emphatical. ly that even this privilege of sending packages Is denied us: since August 1. 1961. there is a prohibitive tax of $7 for 2 pounds of old clothing to Czechoslovakia and U.S. citizens axe instructed to send dollars only. What Is true for Czechoslovakia is evidently true also for other countries behind the Iron Curtain (perhaps with the exception of Poland). A refugee from a Baltic state has stated the case clearly and as his words are applicable. with minor variations. also to the case of Czechoslovakia. we reprint in part his "Letter to the Editor." in the Chicago Daily News (Feb. 4. 1962). Sorry. but I cannot agree with your editorial of January 26. in which the proposal to ban propaganda mail from Communist countries is opposed on the ground that they "would most likely retaliate with a ban of their own on U.S. mail." Why talk about a risk of such a ban when it already exists and has existed ever since the Communists came to power? I am a refugee from a Communistoccupied country and I myself receive almost weekly Red propaganda mail that I dont want. I know quite a few people who also have come from Communistoccupied countries and are in the same situation. We have learned to accept the fact that sometimes a fashion magazine sent to our friends behind the Iron Curtain Is delivered. whereas a book of science never reaches its destinationnot to mention works on political or religious subjects. which are totally banned. (There have been specific occasions where the Soviets have allowed some German Bible shipments to Siberia. but even that was done for propaganda reasons.) The situation did not improve after President Kennedy last March 17 lifted all restrictions on Red propaganda mail from abroad.