4 JULY 1992, Page 26

As a matter of fact

Sir: Your lengthy assessment of my career on these pages ('A handshake too far', 27 June) contained no fewer than 11 inaccura- cies. May I draw your readers' attention to three of the most serious:

1. I did not introduce Robert Maxwell to the board of Rothschild in America. Nei- ther is it true that I persuaded them to accept him as a client.

2. I was not responsible for introducing Asil Nadir to N.M. Rothschild. He was already a client of the bank and I personally took the decision to sever the relationship.

3. I have certainly never sought the job of Treasurer of the Conservative Party. I am unaware of any discussion to this effect within the party. The question of my 'candi- dacy' I can only assume, like much else in your article, to be a figment of your imagi- nation.

Sir Michael Richardson

Chairman, Smith New Court Plc, Smith New Court House, 20 Farringdon Road, London ECI