Eccentric Scot
Sir: I have just read Dhiren Bhagat's article on Nepal in the 22 February edition of the Spectator. Bertrand Russell, I think, remarked that Christianity 'has been, and still is the principal enemy of moral Progress in the world'. Even if not all the readers of your magazine — which has contained of late a disagreeably high pro- Portion of devotional articles, detracting from its high general level — would agree With Russell's extreme view, nonetheless many must be aware of the detrimental effects western Christian missionaries have had in the 'Third World' (in some parts of the old Empire, employers wouldn't take on 'mission boys'). Nepal is legendary for the tolerance of its Buddhists and Hindus, members of each religion often being found worshipping at the shrines of the Other. In view of this, and the horrible intolerance shown by Christians ever since Constantine's day whenever they win pow- er, Nepal's ban on proselytising seems exceptionally enlightened. If there are a few casualties, well, some Christians aren't I. unless they're being persecuted. The article contained the expected con- descending remarks about a Nepal paper's 'eccentric English'. Your own article might have been more impressive if you had managed to spell correctly, even once in the entire article, the name of the capital of this friendly power.
Sinclair C. Dunnett
30 Culduthel Road, Inverness
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