Catalonia

The Herald

October 20 1989

Sir,- Tom Shields obviously has difficulty in distinguishing where Spain ends and Catalonia begins (October 14). Perhaps he sees the blurring of national distinctions as a natural part of Europeanisation. Who knows, he may be foolish enough to believe that an international culture is desirable, sustainable or even possible. However, he is correct in discerning similarities between Catalonia and Caledonia.

When the Spanish feel strong they tend to exploit the Catalans under the banner of integration and education. The Catalans see this process as an attempt at social and economic genocide. With skilful handling, mutual respect, and a stable economy these cultural frictions can be harnessed to constructive purposes.

Unfortunately the background to our own case is more akin to conditions that affected Catalonia in the 1930s.

Is the Catalan experience the only way to prevent the Act of Union being treated as the Act of Surrender?

Louis Pict

Duntarge, Kinneff