25 NOVEMBER 1966, Page 15

More Press Mergers?

Sta,—You suggest that I am thinking of the finan- cial gains that might accrue from allowing an evening paper monopoly to arise in London. In fact, you imply that I am thinking of closing down the Evening Standard. ('Spectator's Notebook,' November 11.)

There is no truth whatsoever in this story.

Time and Tide published a similar story a few weeks ago and subsequently had to run a retrac- tion at our request.

MAX AITKEN

'The Daily Express,' Fleet Street, London EC4

[See Randolph Churchill on Page 669.—Editor,

SPECTATOR.]