1 JANUARY 1972, Page 39

Duffifo Frewin

epp. Leopold Rosencrantz (Chair

e man) Francis Guildenstern (Viceechairman), ; 7181) Mile End Road, London E3 Sir: My very dear friend Desmond Elliott is entitled to hope (Letters, December 11) that Auberron Waugh is leaving your pages as a reviewer, since he is a very ?good publisher and should know (what he wants. ( MY regret is concerned with Your reviewer as your late political columnist and as I considered him kamongst the greats — and how (few there are — I mourn his (passing in that capacity and your I own shortsightedness in letting jhim go. It almost parallels the :Daily Mai/ and Bernard Levin and I hope that both of you live to regret your shortsightedness in passing up giants for fifth-raters.

Ralph Stokes Tandem Books, 14 Gloucester Road, London SW7