24 OCTOBER 1958, Page 22

NATIONALISM

Stay—Mr. W. Stratton Mills asks 'why statesmen even today try to run against the pattern of nationalism.' Unfortunately, they do not, for they are themselves imbued with the same philosophy and although—as your correspondent realises— nationalism is an irrational sentiment, these states- men are rational to the extent that they refrain from openly condemning their own ideology. They therefore, when some, other patriotic nationalism threatens their interests, denounce it as 'terrorism.'

It would indeed be a welcome innovation if some statesman would publicly attack modern patriotism (which is completely synonymous with nationalism), including that of his own 'country.'—Yours faith- fully, JOHN NIBB BMIIONIB, London, WC1