13 APRIL 1974, Page 5

Sir: May I add a PS to your article on

Sir Alec Douglas-Home (March 30)? The 14th Earl has been contemptuously dismissed by some as an anachronism. Maybe he is, but if so, what a remarkable and resilient specimen! He ought to be wrapped in cotton wool to spread such anachronism — and the talents that go with it — over, at least, another The French express recognition for generation.

their outstanding men in a way that is both eloquent and elegant: "Le citoyen Douglas-Home a bien mdritd de la pan-ie." I daresay Sir Alec will take, in his customary stride, this Berliner (momentary) reduction in rank. rr

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