18 JANUARY 2003, Page 25

A bequest to Winston

From Mr Stephen M Goodson Sir: Andrew Roberts ('The secret of Churchill's gold', 28 December) highlights the loan of £18,000 that Churchill received from Sir Henry Strakosch in order to avoid bankruptcy in March 1938.

Strakosch's munificence did not end there. In his will dated 27 August 1941 he forgave the loan of £18,000 and, in addition, bequeathed 120,000 to Churchill 'as a token of friendship and gratitude for his and his wife's great kindness and hospitality'.

Did Churchill have a genuine relationship with Strakosch or were there other motives involved? Perhaps Roberts can enlighten us.

Stephen Goodson

Rondebosch, South Africa