24 JUNE 1978, Page 16

The price of libel

Sir: I have seen Mr Richard West's reference to the libel actions taken against my book, The Greek Passion (Dent 1969), and I am grateful for his compassionate remarks about my financial sufferings but, far worse than the large sum of money mainly passing to solicitors, the book is banned, all stocks of it were destroyed and the British Library has placed it among the pornography in its 'reserved cabinet'. The libels alleged are far from• gross and most readers would be unable to spot them, as numbers of my friends have told me. Nevertheless to sue for libel is clearly one way to suppress general knowledge of facts which you do not care for political reasons should be widely known.

Kenneth Young 35 Central Parade, Herne Bay, Kent