2 JANUARY 1999, page 23

Bob's Your Grandfather

Sir: Your issue of 12 December contained much interesting stuff about the Cecils' influence in politics over the past 500 years, but made no mention of the behind-the- scenes......

Just Deserts

Sir: Oh dear. Have I neglected my old friend Michael Gove so much that he can draw such erroneous conclusions about me? (`The doctor of Bray', 19/26 Decem- ber). I did indeed......

Own Worst Enemy

Sir: In your Letters column (19/26 Decem- ber), Veronica Bellers quite rightly takes Taki to task for misrepresenting the casual- ties suffered during the course of the Mau Mau......

Sir: As Long As The Mary Killen Column Lurks At

the very end of the magazine, I sup- pose it can be tolerated — just. But when it intrudes into the 'Letters' pages with com- plains about RSVPs and thank-you letters, it is......

Royal Pardon

Sir: Karen Robinson draws attention to the current conceit of failing to RSVP (No return to sender', 28 November). I am reminded of the delightful (but, sadly, probably......

Line Of Least Resistance

Sir: Professor Charmley can hardly be seri- ous in alleging that I argue that Neville Chamberlain should have taken 'a gamble' on Romania's single-line railway (Letters, 12......