10 FEBRUARY 1979, Page 18

Homage to POUM

Sir: The answer to Mark Nelson's question (3 February) is yes, I have read Homage to Catalonia and I am familiar with the distinction made by Orwell between the POUM and and Anarchists (which incidentally, fell some way short of the 'antithesis' Mr Nelson asserts).

J. never did describe the. Trotskyist POUM as 'Anarchists'. But if I were to suggest that in referring to the party as 'anarchist' I intended a compliment, it might only increase his bewilderment. Patrick Mamham Hotel Diane, Nevers, France