24 MAY 1913, Page 13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE FUTURE OF THE PORTUGUESE COLONIES.

[TO TER EDITOR OF TIM "SFECTATOF.."]

Sis,—I cordially agree with your proposal about the colonies of Portugal. They are unquestionably in the wrong hands, and the change which you advocate could not but conduce to the advancement of the world. It is a fatal defect in many well- meant endeavours after universal peace that no room is left for change : all frontiers are to remain for ever as they happen to be on some par•ticula.r• date. This is surely most unwise. Nations will continue to rise and fall, to expand with incredible vigour, and to shrink within themselves in hopeless decadence, and to attempt to stereotype the present-day atlas is as foolish as it is impossible. It will, as you remark, be as beneficial to Portugal to be shorn of her colonial possessions as it will for those territories to be freed from her feeble and corrupt domination. Whether tropical lands are precisely what Germany is in need of is another question ; but if she is willing to take up the white man's burden, let her by all means be encouraged to do so.—I am, Sir, &o., IMMO S. ALLEN. London Institution, Finsbury Circus, E.C.