LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Americans Abroad
Sw,—Under criticism, it is natural to slang the critic back. Professor Craven finds, in my impressions of American tactlessness in Italy (recorded, on the whole, I think, with sympathy), evidence of " smug self-satisfaction." I did not say, or imply, that the English were any better there; I merely chose the Americans as my subject because they happen at the moment to be more influential. Nor was my criticism directed at the individual soldiers, those ordinary boys " exiled to a continent they care nothing about; it was directed at the administration, at the educational background, at the "officer level," if you like. Until the official attitude of the American forces in Europe—reflected in every detail of its administration, and giving rise to the quite natural jealousy and dislike of the countries they are stationed in—changes, no goodwill, friendliness nor enthusiasm on the part of individual visitors—soldiers, students, academic or otherwise —can make much difference. The most glaring mistake, and the most easily remedied, is that of the pay. Is it shallow, smug or self- satisfied for a poor man (since, as a European, 1 class myself with Italy in this) to say to the rich man who lives in his country- " protecting " him, it is true, but big issues are often lost in more personal ones—and to say it in quite a friendly way, a's I think I did: "Could you not live_at a more reasonable level, materially ? Could you not notice I exist ? " Those who must accept charity are scratchy; and, if the Americans cannot take notice of this ancient fact, they- must not complain of the world's reaction to them.—Yours faithfully,
24 Alexander Square, S.W.3. .
ISABEL Qu IGLY.
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