30 JANUARY 1988, Page 21

Triads

Sir: Your correspondent Judi Bevan (Let- ters, 9 January) claims protection for jour- nalists' sources' on the grounds — 'No stories, no newspapers, no livelihood.'

Let us examine the other side. In the case of an individual libelled by a journalist refusing to 'reveal his source' — no con- firmation, much innuendo, no reputation, no job.

In the case of a journalist refusing to help the police — no evidence, no convic- tion, more crime, no trust.

In the case of journalists revealing in- telligence information — no secrecy, no spies, no intelligence, no national security.

Rodney E. B. Atkinson

60 Ashboume Court, Woodside Park Road, London N12