25 MARCH 1978, Page 16

When In Rome ...

Sir: Mr J. Heal (11 March) suggests that newly arrived settlers in Britain should discard their customary dress, as apparentlY this would make them appear more British, and thus more popular with the native people. As British settlers in foreign parts are hardly renowned for either changing then' customs or dress, and usually in fact become more 'British', why should the British expect foreigners, regardless, of their passports, to behave any differently and `go native' when they come here, especially as the temptation to come is great and the reason for coming unlikely to be altruistic?

Surely the one thing most caculated not to ensure assimilation is to have CO descending laws which disfavour the natives.

M.J.D. Player

Boharm House, Mulben, Keith, Banffshire