28 AUGUST 1999, Page 26

From Mr Nicholas Dunne Sir: Alan Cochrane's description of Scot-

land's polluted political atmosphere brings to mind Sir Thomas Roe's estimation of Danzig in 1629. There he found 'a mixed government where suspicion and jealousy are wisdom'.

Nicholas Dunne

Gatley Park, Leinthall Earls, Leominster, Herefordshire