A LETTER FROM A STUDENT IN AMERICA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 17 April 1939, Page 5

A LETTER FROM A STUDENT IN AMERICA

A REPLY “Among my letters was one from an earnest young American in his last year at Harvard,” writes Mr Beverley Baxter, M.P., in the “Sunday Graphic.” “This is the final portion of it:—

“ ‘These bombing outrages in Britain must be the last straw. It is sad to see England going down, but I suppose she must endure the fate of all the other great Imperial Powers that grew soft and had to give way to stronger and more vital nations.

“‘Of course, with Japan driving you out of the Pacific, with India in revolt, Palestine in flames. Spain under Fascist control and Germany as master of Europe, your strategical position is impossible. These Irish bombing outrages, of course, are clearly of German origin, and the whole thing is part of Germany’s plan to keep you terrified.

“ ’You will not be able to hold your Dominions because your strength will be concentrated in defending England. I suppose the truth is that the Great War sapped your country of its material and moral stamina. I, for one, will watch the passing of England’s power with real sorrow.’ ” This is the reply Mr Beverley Baxter sent:— “My dear Mr. . . . Don’t worryabout the Irish bombs. I assure

you that we are not doing so. The British police know a lot about them, which is the habit of our police. “You say that we shall be so busy defending ourselves that we cannot prevent the Dominions leaving the Empire. My dear sir, the Dominions can walk out any time they choose. It is their right. The bonds of Empire with us are no stronger than moonbeams —but did you ever try cutting a moonbeam ? “It is generous of you to feel badly for us. “But don’t spend too much on a wreath just yet. Britain has been finished three times in every century since she started as a nation. Besides, we are too busy arming just now to answer messages of condolence. “Finally a word of advice to a scholar from one who has forgotten nearly all that he ever learned at school. If you are going to size up Britain, don’t use arithmetic. If you

add, divide, subtract or multiply you will be wrong. Britain isn't merely a nation, she is a condition of mind and a lot of other things. Therefore may I suggest that you fall back on algebra and say:— “Great Britain equals the unknown quantity of x. “It is much safer. And, by the way, if you ever find out what x represents please let me know. “Come over and see us this summer if you can. We shall be pretty busy patching up one or two gaps in the fence, but we can talk while we work.”