1 JANUARY 1983, Page 11

Mr James R. Mancham

In the Spectator of 28 August an article by Anthony Mockler described the background to the present unrest in the Seychelles. In contrasting the present unhappiness in the Islands with life under its former President, Mr James Mancham, who was described as 'a warm, engaging person, informal to a fault,' there were, however, un- favourable references in the article to one or two of Mr Mancham's chief sup- porters and it has been drawn to our at- tention that it might be thought that these allegations might be taken as reflecting discredit upon Mr Mancham. We wish to make it clear that this was the intention neither of the Spectator nor of Mr Mockler and we apologise to Mr Mancham for any contrary impres- sion which may have been given.