15 FEBRUARY 1930, Page 16

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR, —May I put forward

a common-sense view. We are in India because it is impossible to allow another great area to • lapse into the condition of Mexico, Russia and China ; all of which countries have become the hunting-grounds of more or less dishonest adventurers and false political ideals.

Our first duty as regards India is to ourselves and the rest of the world. Subject to this we may hope to educate the inhabitants to take over our responsibilities at some probably very distant date. No one wants to stay in India merely to educate the natives.—I am, Sir, &c., R. MERIVALE. Devon and Exeter Club, Exeter.