Letters
The Elgin Marbles
Sir: There will surely be few people who will resist the force of Christopher Hitchens's argument for the return of those parts of the Parthenon frieze held in the British Museum (1 January). Of course the Greeks should have them back, if they want them. But why is he so dismissive of the frequently unique treasures of ancient Egypt which are held by museums in this country, Europe and the United States? Has he forgotten ob- jects wholly exceptional in character and significance, such as the pre-dynastic knife from Gebel al-Arak, now in France, or the most celebrated of all pillaged works of art, the Nefertiti head in Berlin which was almost prised out of the Germans' hands during Hitler's time, but was ultimately withheld by them on the improbable grounds that the Fuehrer had fallen in love
with so perfect an example of the Aryan type?
Whilst I am about it, may I put in a strong plea for the return of the Benin and Ashanti treasures which were taken from their people as 'spoils of war'. To retain works of art on these grounds is totally in- defensible.
Michael Rice I Lowther Gardens, Prince Consort Road, London SW7
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