"A More Efficient Europe."
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We Britishers are, generally speaking, a pessimistic lot. It is not that we lose heart quickly; rather are we, without doubt, commendably tenacious. But we do insist that we shall not only know the worst,. but that we Shall be permitted to imagine beyond even that superlative. Our efficiency is only fully attained as a nation when we are thoroughly convinced of our inefficiency. This characteristic, whilst consoling to ourselves, is apt to confound both ourfriends and our enemies. It will do us all good to read, on pages 388 and 389 of this issue, some of the more remarkable passagesfrom a speech recently delivered by a typical American—we believe he is in fact a famous " business expert," who was engaged especially to tell home truths—to a remarkable gatheringof the American motor trade in
Detroit, that centre of manufacturing activity. He warns America, in no sugared terms, of the danger of that country's present exhibition of opportunism. " England will be equipped as never before. .
We have lost prestige irretrievably. . . Britain, as a huge, well-oiled machine, geared to highest efficiency, is the instrument of her industrial reorganization." This and much more, spoken to Americans for Americans and not for us, is indeed good reading for us pessimists. We Britons are never quite so poorly off as we think we are. We. should only look at big maps; school atlases must go.