FOREIGNERS IN LONDON

Southland Times, Issue 23954, 21 October 1939, Page 17

FOREIGNERS IN LONDON

To The Editor Sir, —Your report of an address to the Rotary Club by Mr H. J. Macalister states: “One thing that struck him unpleasantly about London was the large number of foreigners to be seen everywhere. Indeed, in some places there was a preponderance of them, particularly Jews. One hotel where he had stayed seemed to teem with foreigners, and he was glad when he was able to leave.” It is a matter for regret that a society which exists to foster peace and goodwill among men should occupy time listening to remarks which do not promote the removal of racial prejudice. In the past even Mr Macalister’s forefathers were regarded as foreigners in London, and in this Dominion. Many Jews have added prestige to the old and honourable profession of which Mr Macalister is a prominent member, trained to think and speak without' bias.—Yours, etc., LAYMAN. October 18, 1939. [This letter was referred to Mr Macalister, who said: “The remarks referred to were not prompted by racial prejudice, as your correspondent seems to assume. They were based on a

knowledge acquired while in England of the extent and seriousness of the foreign invasion of London and of the hardships which have resulted to many British subjects. With the last sentence in your correspondent’s letter, I am in the fullest accord.”]