5 OCTOBER 1956, Page 7

I HAVE BEEN sent a translation of the preface to

the current issue of the Italian review Ulisse, which is entirely devoted to a study of 'England Today.' The various articles in this special number, which I haven't yet seen, are no doubt admirable; but I must say that the preface, though well-meaning, is scarcely 'a useful contribution towards a better appreciation of the part that Britain has played in recent history.' For instance: . . . their ancient ferocity, the severity of the education of children torn from the care of their mothers and corrected in school amid the sounds of the cane; the excessive penalties on account of which until quite recently begging cost the removal of ears on first conviction and for the second offence resulted in hanging.