LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
From Joanna M. Lyeett, B. A. Young, Robert M. Zakovitch, Patrick Cosgrave, Peter Fiddick, Kenneth Williams, Nicolas Freeling and others.
The Nation's will
Sir: Sincerity and enthusiasm are endearing virtues, and no one has any doubt that the Prime Minister possesses them in abundance, but how I wish he did not consider the British public so much more altruistic than they really are. I know one can make by-election results prove a number of dif- ferent theories; this week's seem to have given substance to a feel- ing of bewilderment growing in the minds of the very people Mr Heath had right behind him last June.
It is not the present high prices and unemployment which are real- ly the principal bones of our con- tention with the Conservatives; the foundation for the first was well and truly laid during the six years before 1970, and most people ad- mit this—which, in its turn, has ,adversely affected the second issue also. Entry into the Common Mar- ket, however, with its threat of even higher prices is surely the main 'bone,' and this project is one about which Mr Heath is un- wise (to say the least of it) to be- come at loggerheads with his elec- torate. He may be noble and un- selfish enough not to regret it at the next general election. but anti- market Conservatives like myself will be left then with very little to cheer them. The fact that my chil- dren, of whom the youngest is only eleven, may live long enough to see a few of the fringe benefits emerging from the many‘disadvant- ages. is not, I am afraid, a sufficient inducement. I am too old not to know that this move into Europe is sacrificing for all time an intan- gible, but so precious possession— the individuality of the British people. If nothing short of a re- ferendum will make him believe this, then let us have the referen- dum as soon as possible, before we get enmeshed any further.
Finally, I am dancing with de- letters in the newest si.Fcrwroit (29 light today having just read several May) under the heading 'The Na- tion's will'; probably thanks to your editorial of 22 May there is reason for hope that the feelings of the man-in-the-street about en- try will get some expression and recognition. In fact, adapting Mr Hodgson very freely: 'Tho' Ted has lost his senses,
The People's come to theirs.' Joanna M. Lycett South Lodge, Copthorne, Crawley, Sussex
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