Ugandan Asians
Sir: After reading your leader on Britain's duty to accept the Ugandan Asians into our community (August 12) I was greatly disturbed by this abdication of responsibility. It is shameful that a journal such as yours, after defending those who seek to prevent British entry into the EEC on the grounds of the resultant loss of national sovereignty, should aim a fearful blow at our national character.
At a time when population has become a dirty word, and there are parts of England where no white man walks, you talk of accepting more immigrants. Such a policy, sir, will only serve to kindle the sparks of a racial bonfire that was seen to glow momentarily recently in Liverpool. No responsible person could surely ad• vocate such a policy, except those, who seek to destroy the nation of our heritage.
Your legal arguments are in. deed slim. Mr Sandys's offer to East African Asians was never in fact intended. It was meant for the white settlers, as a means to escape from any possible racial encounters of the future. The loop' hole which gave Asians passportl was effectively closed by the Immigration Acts 1962-1971. The right of abode was giver] to those whose peopke came from these shores. A quota system was preserved for the Asians. This was a mistake There is no room here for these people on a permanent basis, 50 the sooner this sop to conscience is dropped the better. Futhermore, you advocate 80 alarming precedent. Suppose sonie future African administration ill South Africa or Rhodesia adopted Amin's piratical attitude. Whe', then? Do we take back five millioe whites? No sir, we must stand If necessary we must amend the necessary Independence Acts (yo„t1 did say once that Parliament P„ supreme), and then start work sending back to their homes the foreign immigrants in our count13 who will not integrate. It show," be said to those who remain heP
to live in Britain one must bent:nue British.
Such a policy is not to ape General Amin, but is to uphold the tradition of liberalism and tolerance that is inherent among our People. To the world we must demonstrate two things:
(1) That those who wish can be integrated into this country, providTsg they are already here.
tz) That the success of an indePendent nation depends upon the Eigacity of its people in maintaining its national character, and not cm the whims of foreign rulers.
John A. Black 165 Lord Street, Grimsby, Lincs
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