OPEN DOORS FOR OVERSEAS MEN.—HOME FROM HOME.
(To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sra,—Now that the armistice is signed and Peace is in sight, our first duty is to think of the men who have fought for us. Above all, We must not forget those many thousands of loyal citizens of
the British Empire who have come from over the seas to help us, and who have played so great and crowning a part in victors-. The men from the "Dominions—from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Afrist—and from the United States will for the most part be comp;lled to spend their Christmas in Europe. Many causes—policy, -tonnage, food, and so forth—will stand in the way of a rapid return home. Here is a splendid opportunity for us in the United Kingdom to show our gratitude and appre- ciation for their services. Let us throw wide open the doors of our English homes, and share our Christmas pudding with these splendid children of ours, who will indeed be twice lonely this Christmas if they feel that we are leaving them outside our re- joicings in this supreme festival of " Peace on earth and goodwill towards men." The task is surely not too great. It is estimated that there will be required to achieve the object of a Happy Christmas for all overseas men on leave offers of hospitality, over the few days of Christmas festivity, from one thousand homes in different parts of the United Kingdom, and offers of entertainment for the evening of Christmas Day from fifteen hundred homes in London. Can there be any doubt that such will be forthcoming ? All offers should be sent to the Secretary, Inter- national Y.M.C.A. Hospitality League, 25 Montague Street, London, W.C. 1, who is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Information.—I am, Sir, &c., HAROLD SPENDER.
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