Peter Hopkirk
James Owen writes: In 1988, Peter Hopkirk (obituary, Aug 27) read an obituary in The Times of one Ronald Sinclair, a minor consular official, and realised that it was the name under which a British intelligence agent, Reginald Teague-Jones, had been living for 70 years since being accused by the Bolsheviks of the murder of 26 of their commissars at Baku. It was a famous episode in the First World War turn of the “Great Game”. Hopkirk promptly wrote a second obituary revealing Sinclair’s real identity.
Sir David Mitchell
Lord Lexden writes: Your fine obituary of Sir David Mitchell (Sept 1) rightly noted the success of his work in Northern Ireland in the early 1980s. He gained increased EC funding for regeneration projects, negotiating in Brussels with charm and skill. He became a popular and familiar figure throughout the province as a result of what came to be known as “Mitchell’s tours” which took him to every local authority. He returned to Stormont with long lists of points, all of which received meticulous attention. He never lost his interest in Irish affairs, becoming a founder member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body, linking Westminster and Dublin, in 1990.
Lady Berlin
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Dr Sam Banik writes: Shortly before his death Sir Isaiah Berlin told his biographer Michael Ignatieff how much he loved Aline (obituary, Sept 2) and how central she had been in his life. Their marriage was based on the mutuality of sharing and caring. Isaiah was considered unmarriageable by his mother and after several romantic affairs, all apparently non-consummated, it was Aline’s enduring love which kindled his passion.
Lord Attenborough
Barry Budibent writes: Lord Attenborough’s kind nature (obituary, Aug 26) was shown to my mother when she, along with other widows from the battle of Arnhem, visited the film set of A Bridge Too Far. He took time out of a busy schedule to talk to them and assure them that the film would be a fine tribute.