April 21, 1966. Languages

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31041, 22 April 1966, Page 10

April 21, 1966. Languages

Sir,—Modern scientific evidence points to the teaching of languages other than the native tongue from about the fourth year. Decidedly not at year 12! So if this French language intention is official Education Department policy, who made the decision? Why not teach Russian or even Standard English or perhaos give each child a graded McKee text book? Like your recent correspondent, I think this futile French abracadabra should be thrown rapidly out of the classroom window. —Yours, ete.. “DOREMUS JESSUP.” April 21. 1966. N.A.T.O. Sir,—The approval of the French National Assembly in endorsing General de Gaulle’s demand for French national prerogative in control of bases, instigated on account “of change in nuclear strategy.” marks a milestone on the tragic road United States and West German policy has developed since the Potsdam Agreement was discarded. At the Cuban crisis Dean Acheson informed de Gaulle that he was in Paris “to inform, not consult.” No N.A.T.O. ally was consulted in this momentous crisis when the fate of East and West Europe lay in the hands of America and Russia. Compare the Suez crisis, when the British and French Governments were forced to negotiate with Nasser. Neither was France consulted in the Korean or Vietnam wars. De Gaulle is asking for the removal of N.A.T.O. bases not under French control. The Spanish dictator allows United States bases under a bilateral agreement in which Spain can veto their use for war.—Yours, etc.* WEST WIND. April 21, 1966. Sir.—Mr Wilson may he lumping to conclusions. No ironv was intended in admitting that I, like all mortals in 1966, contain elements of stupidity. Strangelv enough, he supports my rather stupid comparison to Hitler by describing de Gaulle as an intense patriot. So was Hitler. Intensity can create impatience. Such leaders can be sick with it. Old men like de Gaulle, with time running out and his elderly antics in both hemispheres, should only be allowed to be a danger to themselves. I hope this clarifies for Mr Wilson my socalled pun on mental patience. My education regarding the gap between Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain was not “overlooked.” I was taught it was due to the German machine being caught off balance by the surprise, even to it, of a swiftly collapsed France, and I still think it would be rather stupid to attribute it to the patient political genius of Hitler.—Yours, etc., A. B. CEDARIAN. April 21, 1966.