TOO GOOD LOSERS
Si,—Whilst agreeing with your comments on the Olympic Games, I feel that as a nation we are tending to become dangerously smug about our being good losers. Of course we can be proud that, unlike contestants from less phlegmatic nations, our athletes do not weep when they are defeated or protest violently against doubtful decisions ; but there is surely no particular virtue in constantly consoling ourselves for our lack of victories by saying how well we can "take it."
It is frankly time that we came off the defensive. So long as this semi- apologetic attitude coupled with an inner conviction of superior stability is confined to sporting events no great harm is done. The peril lies in a similar approach to national and international affairs. We shall not win our rightful place in the post-war world until we make it plain that we can "give it" as well as "take it"; and that means a revitalised, reinvigorated Britain capable of bearing hard knocks but intent on victory, a Britain that will grapple with fts opponents—sporting, economic or political—in the shining armour of confidence, not the drab uniform of resignation.— 78 Highgate Road, N.W.5. (North St. Pancras Conservative
& Unionist Association).
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