15 APRIL 1972, Page 18

Irish Duke

Sir: John Vaizey (March 25) refers to the first Duke of Wellington as an Irishman. It is true that the Duke was horn in Ireland, but, as he said himself, to be born in a stable doesn't make you a horse. In fact, of course, he was AngloIrish — one of those whose names are trotted out by the Irish when it suits them to demonstrate how much we English owe to Ireland, but who in any other context are denounced as alien oppressors. This is an example of the notorious mutability of truth in that country.

J. 0. Stans field Flat 55, Clare Court, Judd Street, London WCI