More marbles
Sir: Gavin Stamp (Letters, 7 January) asks Why the Greek government has not called on France to return the Winged Victory of Sannothrace. The answer is very simple, and was implicit in my letter (17 December).
The Parthenon Marbles were an integral Part of the Parthenon's structure. The Par- thenon occupies a central position in the cultural heritage and identity of Greece. The Greek government has not asked for the return of any sculptures that do not fall within this double category.
It is pointless to reply to Mr Stamp's Insistence on his view that the Parthenon Marbles were bought. Although it is irrele- vant to the issue, if he really believes this then words, for him as for Humpty bumpty, must be capable of meaning Whatever he wants them to mean.
Finally, his arguments were not dismissed simply because of that particular error. Three fundamental reasons for the return of the sculptures were spelt out, and Mr Stamp's inspired hostility to Greece was attributed to either malice or colossal ignorance.
Kyriazides
Arnbassodor, Greek Embassy
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