29 JULY 1989, Page 27

On parole

Sir: With reference to your correspond- ence about the French language (15 July), my father, Claude Elliott, when Head- master of Eton, said most forcibly to me that 'if you must speak it, never attempt the accent'. He certainly carried out this injunction himself.

Nicholas Elliott

Flat 7, Flat 7,

50 Queen's Gate, London SW7