22 DECEMBER 1979, Page 26

Romanian fact and fantasy

Sir: Summarily dismissing the points I made (Letters, 27 October) as 'vehement nationalism' does not do Mr T. Garton Ash credit and smacks of gratuitous and unnecessary abuse (Letters, 24 November). Nor is his case advanced one iota by now quoting two new 'authorities' — R. E. H. Mellor and Lucy Dawidowicz — in addition to the admittedly fictional work of Olivia Manning. As you, Sir, well know, printed matter is not necessarily gospel truth.

For myself I stand by the facts I have given and challenge anyone to disprove them. As for Mr Garton Ash, the kindest thing I can say is that he is careless and sacrifices objective reporting on the altar of spirited prose.

Ion Ratiu Chairman, British-Romanian Association, 54-62 Regent Street, London W1