4 AUGUST 1928, Page 15

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] am surprised that the

Spectator would give space to such bitter, unkind criticism of American men and women as Mary Borden has indulged in. Perhaps you think, as she is an American woman, it cannot offend. To some extent that is true. It is not good .taste to tirade about your own people in the home circle, and when it is done to outsiders it is so foolish and ill-bred that it does not make much difference. I hope you will announce that Mary Borden, evidently to her shame and sorrow, was born in America. I am constantly working for members for the English- Speaking Union, and these tirades do not help.—I am, Sir, &c., E. W. PONTEFRACT. Bagatelle, .Shields, Pennsylvania.