23 APRIL 1965, Page 13

SIR, —The delicious correspondence (revealed by Christopher Booker) between Mr. Stevens

of the Queen and Mr. Churchill contained one major sur- prise: that Mr. Stevens himself can write. Anyone who can compose a phrase as thrilling as 'Having reeked your venom on the female members of my staff' need not be ashamed to call himself a journalist. Were Mr. Stevens compelled to earn his living, every Fleet Street proprieter [sic] would surely rush to offer him the employment he deserves. The fact that he no longer 'oozes goodwill' and suffers from 'growing cynicism' might prove a posi- tive asset in these sour` and sullen days. JOHN DAVE

12 Park Crescent, Northing