27 JULY 1962, Page 13

SiR,—Surely we have had enough of the T. E. Lawrence

myth? Philby certainly, less as a cinema attraction, but far greater in action and, after all, a success whereas poor Lawrence was a failure, double-crossed by politicians and Foreign Office, is the man whose story should be told.

Lawrence admitted in his Seven Pillars that, until he had returned to Cairo to refill his bags with gold, he was powerless to bring in certain sheiks of desert tribes to the Allied cause.

In my many talks with various Arab leaders in Cairo during the winter of 1929-30, Lawrence appeared to be of little consequence and significance compared with Philby.

ROBERT GORDON CANNING