14 MARCH 1969, Page 26

The great Soames saga

Sir: In 'Spectator's notebook' (28 February) J. W. M. Thompson quotes as a maxim 'never apologise, never explain.' The Kipling version of that (and what he is said to have followed) is 'never excuse, never explain.' If you think about it, explanations of errors and mistakes sound always like excuses; therefore, apologise sincerely for errors and mistakes, and offer ex- planations only if asked for. It is surprising bow infrequently they are asked for.

Arthur N. Ainsworth Foulsham Rectory, East Dereham, Norfolk