1 FEBRUARY 1957, Page 15

Stg,—I am reluctant to re-enter the arena on this matter,

but I should be grateful for a little more space. I am not concerned to `defend' myself, as none of your earlier correspondents have attacked me to any purpose.

May I firstly apologise to Mr. J6sman? I still think he is misguided : but he is clearly not half-witted, as his first letter led me to expect. He at least is not past praying for.

Secondly, I have been accused of calling the Egyp- tians 'inferior.' This is a lie. I denied their equality with us—and I still do. I questioned the meaning of `potential equality'—and I still do. I described their actions as treacherous, cowardly, irresponsible, and against international law—which I still believe to be accurate. I will readily admit to disliking Egyptians, but I would not call, and have not called, them in- ferior.

Lastly, Sir, many of your correspondents seem quite ready to assume that colonialism is ipso facto A Bad Thing : and I would like to question the assumption. There are many English who are not ready to apologise, to Egyptians, Indians, or others, for the British Commonwealth or for imperialism. There are many also who believe that—despite the inevitable human mistakes—we have contributed more to the welfare of our colonial Empire, and to the peace of the world, than any other single force in human history. The Egyptians impress me no more than they impressed the Israeli Army : but what does frighten me is the bland encouragement which your correspondents give to nationalism, which I consider to be the first evil of the century. Neither you, Sir, nor any of your readers is entitled to apologise to the Egyptians for our occupation of the Canal Zone, nor for our recent action there (incidentally, the only agent which prevented a large-scale massacre of Egyptians by Israelis).—Yours faithfully,

WILLIAM F. PICKARD 1 Leadenhall Street, EC3