6 DECEMBER 1997, Page 36

Kennedy and the Mafia

Sir: Mark Steyn informs us (America and its priapic presidents,' 29 November) that Nigel Hamilton, after writing 'a cracking account' of J.F. Kennedy's early years, abandoned work on the second volume because he was 'so disgusted by what he uncovered about his hero'.

One of Hamilton's friends told me quite a different story. According to him, Hamil- ton gave up when informed by the Mafia that he would not survive if he were to write the second volume.

Who is telling the truth?

Michael Saward

6 Amen Court, London EC4