- ITALY- AND BRITAIN
[To the Editor of THE` SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The address of which a repOrt is given below, translated from an Italian newspaper, was recently delivered in Italy by
a British subject, in a British institution incorporated under royal charter, to ri diitinguished audience, largely composed of Italiani, after adVertisement on two successive daYs in the Italian Press.
•• Lecture - at the British Institute."
"The 'impressions which the distinguished lecturer has brought back from East Africa gave to the listeners a vivid picture of our campaign, and of the work of civilisation which the army is carrying on among the conquered population.
"The lecture, which had an enthusiastic reception when delivered in Bente, as has already been reported, was a great success here in our city. Over 500 persons were present and one noted among them important members of the aristocracy and of the world of letters.
" The lecture described the Italian advance, followed to Aksum and Makalle, giving the fruits of observations made during a prolonged stay among officers, soldiers, Black Shirts find labourers, and showing in clear relief through diverse incidents, not only the valour and abnegation of our troops, but also their high morale, and the amazing calm and endurance which they display. The hardships of the campaign are faced with joy. The Italian advance has meant for the conquered population freedom from a shameful yoke of slavery.
" The remarks of the distinguished lecturer, who spoke in clear and simple English, were closely followed by the audience, and at the close a hearty ovation was given, which showed the profound hympathy which the sincerity and truth of the sentiments expressed aroused."
A question which naturally arises in the mind is, would a lecture by, e.g., Lord Cecil on the work of civilisation done at t;eneva by forty nations to stop the military operations so enthusiastically described, or the abnegation of British troops mobilised in defence of the League Covenant, be advertised
in the Italian Press, received with applause by an Italian audience, or allowed, to be given in a British institution by the Italian authorities ? The supposition is absurd, and it seems a pity that a British institute should depart from its proper educational and other work to plunge into the political field.— Dulnai-n Bridge.
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