5 JULY 2003, Page 29

Taki's testimonial

From Lord Black of Crossharbour

Sir: After the letters Taki and I have exchanged in your columns over several years, I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude for his generous comments in last week's column (High life. 28 June). His confidence in our company is well placed. Virtually evewthing that competing British national newspapers have written about us in the last several months is wholly or completely mistaken, as time will soon reveal. There is not a serious problem in our company, the parent of the parent of the Telegraphs and Spectator, and such concerns as exist will be resolved promptly. Taki has demonstrated the breadth of character and detestation of the spirit of envy that have allowed our personal relations to flourish. These qualities are the reason I have agreed with successive Spectator editors, who have rejected the clamour for his dismissal.

Conrad Black

Chairman. Telegraph Group Ltd, London E14