22 SEPTEMBER 2001, Page 34

Chiluba and the Queen

From S.K Mubulavanu Sir: With reference to the facetious and rather unpleasant article 'Right, said Fred' (1 September), the Zambia High Commission would like to point out, first, that President Chiluba has never been to London on a state visit that included a banquet at Buckingham Palace, as stated in your article.

Second, we have failed to understand the aim of your story — other than the fact that it is aimed at marginalising the Zambian head of state who has done so much to maintain peace and harmony in the southern African region. In any case, the issue of forks and knives is irrelevant as the majority of the world population use their hands to eat.

S.K Mubukwanu

Zambia High Commissioner, London W8