18 AUGUST 1984, Page 18

Sir: I read with regret that Taki has been found

guilty of possession of 21.4 grammes of cocaine. As this drug is now recognised a. the only international means of ex- change (re: De Lorean versus US Govt 1983/4) can readers therefore assume that Taki's intentions were not self anasalation but an attempt to put the Spectator on a sound financial footing? Or was this to be first prize in the next Spectator competi- tion?

Whatever the outcome, Taki will remain a saviour rather than a smuggler to his loyal readership.

H. A. R. Guinness 29 Brechin Place, London SW7