Sir, The Prime Minister claims that he cannot release the advice given him by the Attorney-General on the legality of the attack on Iraq because of the connection of confidence that exists between a lawyer and his client (report, February 25).

It is true that a lawyer is under a duty not to disclose information given to him by a client, and advice given by him to the client. But no corresponding obligation binds the client. I can, if I wish, tell the world what I have said to my solicitor and what my solicitor has said to me.

The Prime Minister could release the advice if he so wished.

Yours faithfully,
JOHN RIDDALL,
Spring View,
Town End, Bradwell,
Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 9JW.
March 4.

From Mr Michael Purcell

Sir, Your phrase “Suddenly there is a whiff of 1989 in the air” (leading article, March 2) admirably describes the beginnings of probable widespread changes for the better through much of the Middle East.

I supported the US and coalition military intervention in Iraq because I believed that this sharp shock could lead to the emergence of longsuppressed desires for greater freedom throughout the region.

Perhaps those who denounced President Bush and Mr Blair so resoundingly on the streets, in Parliament, in the BBC and in letters to The Times may start to reflect at least on the possibility that they were wrong.

Yours sincerely,
MICHAEL PURCELL,
(Ambassador to Somalia, 1980-83),
French Mill Cottage,
Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0LT.
March 4.

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