17 JULY 1971, Page 31

Statement from Sir Terence Rattigan

Sir: My attention has been drawn to a report in your issue for June 19 to the effect that I have deserted my tax-haven home to return to Britain to receive the accolade of knighthood. I write because this statement is factually incorrect. I have for some time, as many of my friends know, been contemplating returning to Britain to live, and had in fact made the decision to return some months before I had any idea, or intimation of any kind, that I was to be honoured.

I should be grateful if you would make this clear to your readers by way of publication of this letter.

Terence Rattigan

We would like to express our regret for our previous erroneous statement and for any distress this may have caused Sir Terence Rattigan. — Editor, Spectator.