7 JUNE 2003, Page 33

Jobs for the peasantry

From Mr Jonathan Guinness Sir: Dr E.G. Klepfish (Letters, 31 May) tells us that 'Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are major job and wealth providers for the local Arabs'. I am reminded of Arthur Hugh Clough's lines:

I've seen it observed by a writer of sense That the labouring claws could scarce live a day If people like me didn't eat, drink and pay.

Jonathan Guinness Cirencester, Gloucestershire