25 DECEMBER 1971, Page 32

General nausea

From General Sir Nevil Brown john Sir: The Spectator's Notebook nauseates me. Even if Britain does not enter the Common Market, Mr Heath will still have shown the statesmanship in the cause of European unity for which he was awarded the German prize. And why print 'statesmanship ' in those inverted commas? And why suggest that Mr Heath may end by "be latedly shuffling the cash off to some charity " — another sneer at the Primo Minister?

I sometimes wonder whether I am reading The Spectator of the New Statesman, and whether the editor is Gale or Crossman. I unwisely took out a two-year subscription to your journal last spring, and am now bitterly regretting having done so. Nowadays the only parts which I can read with any interest and pleasure are an occasional book review, the prizewinners' efforts in the literary competition, and Juliette's Weekly Frolic! I had a little bet on her 5 to 1 winner, bless the girl!

N. Brown john 5 Shelley Court, Tite Street, SW3