Angleterre, I love you
Sir: I agree with Mrs Carla Powell's view concerning England and its people (`She's Italian, you know', 9 July). I am a frog (as you say!) having links with England for more than 22 years and I wish to marry an English woman I met a few years ago.
I am in love with England, since I discov- ered it, as it is a fascinating country, but at times its people do upset me (at times French people upset me too!) You want to influence other countries, but do not accept the influence of the other countries! You also seem to be scared of losing your own identity by being part of Europe. I am sure there is no need to fear, as English people have very strong charac- ters. And you may be certain that most peo- ple do not want Federalism for Europe. Each country wants to keep its own charac- teristics.
I really like some facets of the English: your conservatism in life (we need it), your discipline (so different from France), your sophistication and your civilised manners. Also, there are those wonderful shops, very traditional and where the quality and service seem to be the same as it was a hundred years ago and longer! I want to put a question to the English peo- ple: Is it possible to be a gentleman being French? My answer is yes, but I am not sure of yours.
But, England, you are a lovely country and I love you as you are.
Jean Claude Hablot
23 Avenue Lamartine, Combs la Ville, France
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