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CHAPTER FOUR
So the average Briton and the average American retire to a secluded
spot, and "get together." The American repeats his question:
"Why can't your people over there be a bit kinder? Why can't you
consider our feelings a bit more? You haven't been over and above
polite to us of late--or indeed at any time."
"No," admits the Briton thoughtfully, "I suppose we have not.
Politeness is not exactly our strong suit. In my country we are not
even polite to one another!" (Try as he will, he cannot help saying
this with just the least air of pride and satisfaction.) "But I admit
that that is no reason why we should be impolite to other nations. The
fact is, being almost impervious to criticism ourselves, we naturally
find it difficult to avoid wounding the feelings of a people which is
particularly sensitive in that respect."
"Very well," replies the American. "Now, we want to put this right,
don't we?"
"We do," replies the other, with quite un-British enthusiasm. "No one
who has spent any time as a visitor to this country could help----"
"Why then, tell me," interpolates the other, "what is at the back of
your country's present resentful attitude toward America?"
The Briton ponders.
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