Personal note

I must thank I. M. Beck for referring to my column and for quoting me extensively - although he is quite capable of writing original extensive pieces himself. I was not, of course, surprised, as I know by now (even by then!) which kind of flag excites him although he does not make it obvious. I do not, of course, suspect that he wishes to exclude inclusion from The Times but that he wishes to engage in dialogue.

I.M. Beck often speaks of people shooting themselves in the leg. I think it's a bit patronising although there is apparently a new way of doing this: doing nothing and somebody else does the shooting for you. Well it's practical though somewhat lazy! But then "oneself" must be excluded (not again!) from the expression.

I must say that I had one big disappointment. When I. M. Beck said "I like the man", I thought he was talking about me. But it doesn't matter, for some others like me. Maybe he will too after he meets me and I don't mind if he brings his cigars with him.