19 JULY 1997, Page 24

Sir: I heartily agree with Paul Johnson's view expressed in

'The new barons ruling Britain' (5 July). The country has indeed been done a disservice by the gross flailing of Jonathan Aitken.

I'm reminded yet again of the relentless, self-serving but short-sighted attack by the Washington Post against President Nixon, certainly the very best post-war American leader. This was bad for the United States and the world at large.

My late friend and mentor Alfred Bloomingdale said at the time, 'Nixon is accused of being involved in an unsuccess- ful "panty raid" and history will understand that.'

(Ironically, Bloomingdale himself, first on his deathbed, then posthumously, was a victim of vile press, also over a tedious little mistake.) James Hammond

117 East 72nd Street, New York, USA