31 JULY 1959, Page 17

GRANTING VISAS SIR,—I had occasion recently to visit the French

Consulate in order to obtain a visa for a friend with an Indian passport. I was surprised to learn from the official who examined the passport that a visa could not be granted as the passport was endorsed (among other countries) for Algeria. I had to make a journey to the Indian Consulate and have the offending word deleted. The visa was then granted.

Yet my passport (a British one), also endorsed for Algeria, seems to be perfectly acceptable. Can any reader explain this to me?—Yours faithfully, N. WHITE

27 Boltons Court, Old Brampton Road, SW5