WELSH NATIONALISM
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—Dr. J. D. Jones' article demonstrates an ignorance of the facts which casts a large shadow of doubt on his qualifications for writing on his subject.
First, Mr. D. V. Williams is not headmaster of a County School. He is an assistant master at Fishguard County School and, incidentally, a famous Welsh novelist. These facts have been repeatedly mentioned in every account of "The Three Men" in the English newspapers. Dr. Jones' mistake suggests a wider ignorance. The remainder of his article confirms that suggestion.
The first point in the programme of the Blaid is "Dominion Status for Wales." Far from being a "foreign monarch," King George would be the strongest link between the New Wales and the Empire.
"Wales for the Welsh" was never a Nationalist slogan. Dr. Jones might at least consider the feelings of the many English members of the Blaid. A more accurate slogan would be, "Wales for those who have the welfare, economic and cultural, of Wales and the Welsh (people of Wales) at heart." I doubt if Dr. Jones would qualify for admittance. He professes a concern for our language and our unemployed, and considers the preservation of both a praiseworthy object. Were he really in touch with contemporary Wales, he would realise, as most thinking people have realised, that the Nationalist policy is the only salvation for Wales and Welsh. Who could be more, competent to solve the economic problems Of Wales than the Welsh themselves ? Or has Dr. Jones lost all faith in his countrymen ? I recommend for his future edification such Nationalist pamphlets as Local Authorities and Heavy Industries, by Saunders Lewis, The Economics of Welsh Self-Government, by Dr. D. J. Davies ; Welsh Agriculture, by Moses Griffith. If he desires to be truly versed in the principles of Nationalism, the Party Offices at Caernarfon could supply him with the necessary liteiature. •
Lastly, Mr. Jones considers "that world outlook" an admirable ideal, but does not realise that that is exactly what the Nationalists want to give Wales. Mr. _ Saimders Lewis has said that it is imperative that Wales should cease to "adopt a provincial English attitude to the world, if she is to contribute her right share in the affairs of, and to the cultures of, this world.
There is no space to take up Mr. Jones point by point, but I hope that what I have written will be sufficient to rouse grave doubts as to his qualifications for writing on his subjeci.
.7-Yours faithfully, • E. 0. HUMPHREYS,: School Home, Newmarket, Flintshir:.
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