INDIANS AND ENGLISH LIFE
[To the Editor of TUE SPEcTATOR.] Sin,—In "A Spectator's Notebook " of July 5th appeared a paragraph concerning Indian students in this country, in which "Janus" made the following remarks : " Whether the 20,000 (sic : a misprint presumably, since the correct number is roughly 2,000) are able to see the best of the life of the country in which they spend three or four formative years may be questioned. . . More doors in English life might well he opened to them." 'Undoubtedly a large number do not see the beat of life in this country, just as numbers of our own people living abroad do not see the best of the life which surrounds them. Comparatively few doors in English life are open to students from India—or any Asiatic or African country—unless the man is wealthy, or comes with personal
introductions;
I say man advisedly as women students receive, by compari- son, a warmer welcome. English men are slower for th- most part to open their doors than are English women ; it is notable ' in any international student organisation of a social nature, whether within colleges or without, that the majority of English members are women, a fact which frequently receives
unfavourable comment.
Much might be accomplished at this time in the realm of " the imponderables " in this urgent matter of Indo-British relations if "Janus'" remark were taken to heart and acted upon by your readers. Our Council is always happy to further such efforts, if anyone should be willing to act, but uncertain as to the first steps.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, FLORENCE G. SUTTON, Secretary,.East and West Friendship Council.. 32 Russell Square, W .C.1.
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