27 JANUARY 1961, Page 11

MINORITIES IN AUSTRIA SIR,--We Carinthian Slovenes fully agree with the

explanation of the term 'integration' meaning the existence of a contented minority within the State in which it lives. Like our foreign minister Kreisky we do not agree either with the explanation that 'integration' should mean assimilation of the minority or its absorption by the majority: the aim should be to preserve the ethnical character of the minority —whether they are Tyrolese or Carinthian Slovenes.

'Integration' in Carinthia has always, unfortun- ately, been regarded by the Austrian authorities as identical with assimilation. In 1910, in what is now Austrian territory. there were 74.210 Slovenes; in 1923, 31,307: and in 1951, only 23,839. These figures clearly demonstrate that before long Austria will produce proof of the final Germanisation of the Carinthian Slovenes.

Many Slovenes do not even dare admit their origin. But there are several weekly and monthly magazines in the literary Slovene language; and the number of students of the Slovene secondary school (Gymnasium) since its foundation in 1957 has been increasing. There remains in the country a strong Slovene clement, though if we are to believe official statements, the Slovenes will soon be no more.

It is a reflection of the times here when I ask to be allowed to sign myself,—Yours faithfully,