YOUTH AND THE EMPIRE
SIR,—It is tragic that little or nothing is taught about the British Empire in the schools of Britain. I had this fact confirmed recently when acting as question-master in a quiz between boys and girls—some still at school and some who had left. In reply to a request to name three British colonies, came a hesitant answer of " South Africa," and nothing further. When another boy was asked what two countries had left the British Empire since the end of the war, he said " India," and added that he could not remember the other. Those taking part in this quiz were above the average in intelligence, and were able to quote poems and answer mathematical teasers with comparative ease. It is clear that a Britain which is content to let its youth grow up in ignorance of its imperial veatness will soon have little left either of Empire or of greatness.—Yours
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