IN RESPONSE TO AN ANGLO-AMERICAN APPEAL [To the Editor of
the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—You were kind enough to publish on December 2nd, 1922, a letter of mine which ventured to suggest certain small, but useful, means of improving Anglo-American relations. It will interest you to know, I feel sure, that I have received about a dozen communications from Englishmen and Ameri- cans on the subject, and that in all of them the few simple ideas I threw out were heartily endorsed. The most interesting and practically important communication was that of Mr. H. Gordon Selfridge, in which that gentleman and business man informed me of his decision to carry out, forth- with, two of my ideas in his London department store. He was going to open a reading-room and establish an American book store for the benefit of Englishmen and American tourists alike. So, Mr. Editor, we " started something," if you will pardon a slang locution, strictly American. An Englishman making his home in Paris has directed my attention to the excellent American library and periodical room which the French capital now enjoys, thanks to American generosity and enterprise. London needs such facilities much more than Paris does, and should provide them at its own expense.
As to the reading-room maintained by the English-Speaking Union, I was not, as you surmised, aware of its existence at the time I addressed my communication to your journal, though I subsequently discovered it by accident and gladly availed myself of the opportunities courteously extended by the society to non-members. However, the point is that this reading-room is not used by, or even known to, the generality of American tourists. Indeed, two American correspondents stationed at London and one English trade- union official—a very intelligent person—whom I had con. suited regarding library and reading-room facilities in London before sending my letter to your journal had not even mentioned the facilities offered so hospitably by the English. Speaking Union in the very heart of London 1 They had never heard of the reading-room, and if such persons do not hear of it, how can strangers be expected to learn of its existence or of its liberal rules ? It might advertise
in the Press and by suitable placards in the banks, steamship offices, and other establishments daily visited by hundreds of Americans. Contributions to cover that particular expense could be solicited. They would, I feel sure, be cheerfully sent in by many Americans who realize how much of the anti-British prejudices and notions prevalent in their country are due to mere ignorance, tradition and unfavourable first impressions, impressions of indifference and coldness. VICTOR S. YARROS„ Editorial Department," The Daily News," Chicago, U.S.A.
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