Letter: Lachrymose frenzy over Diana's death

Sir: It is outrageous that the Scottish Football Association should be scapegoated for failing to rearrange a football match over which they have very little control. It is, however, in keeping with the intolerance that lies behind the myth of a nation "united in grief".

There are those like the SFA, caught in circumstances beyond their control, and then there are the millions of people who are not grieved, not because they are heartless but simply because they did not know Diana, had not met Diana and were not inspired by Diana. Yet scarcely one word of their doubts and reservations is allowed to be heard.

The atmosphere of Britain this week has been utterly stifling. Let those who wish to grieve do so. But must everybody else be intimidated into line?

ED HORTON

Oxford