19 APRIL 1968, Page 31

Our mob

Sir: To say that one's natural feeling is 'minus A: but that the force of certain books etc is such as to compel one to a statement of `plus A' is, of course, a powerful way of asserting 'plus A.'

But if Simon Raven (22 March) really ex- pects anyone to believe that, in his phrase, it had been his intention, when be received the

four regimental histories for review, to make fun of them, then—well, then will you allow me to inform him that I am the Duke of Wellington?

Ronald Vincent Smith 17 Rodney Road, New Malden