4 JUNE 1977, Page 16

Wifely influence

Sir: Mr Maurice Hare's letter (23 APr,i,13 wondered whether the influence of l'A(rils on her husband, Erskine Childers, 'conversion' to Irish republicanism been properly appreciated. Reference is made to her influence °ft Childers's views in the biography of Ean de Valera written by the Earl of Lon4) and Thomas P. 0. Neill (Arrow, 19: (,,d where it is stated: 'From early 1919 he bv,'", in Ireland and, with his dedicated, inspio.1:; American wife, was admitted to an acti.te part in Irish life.' The implication is 9°14 obviously that she was the dominant far in his 'conversion'. Whether she was dedicated and inspirl or whether she had a 'scheming olilito would seem to be directly connecteo ),5 one's own views or prejudices. One Pa one's money . . .

Berwyn Plys Jones 91 Fairwood Road, Llandaff, Cardiff