Sir, - I admired the younger Conor Cruise O'Brien; and I regret the positions that the older O'Brien has in some instances moved to. But Nuala O'Faolain's implication that there was something less than honourable in the way that Dr. O'Brien served in Ghana is quite unfounded.
Dr. O'Brien was not a servant of Kwame Nkrumah. He served intelligently and efficiently as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana. During that time, he courageously and successfully resisted improper intrusions by the government into the university.
I worked at the University of Ibadan during the same period and from personal contact knew what views Dr. O'Brien held on the Ghanaian President. Finally, let me say that I warmly support Ms. O'Faolain's commendation of clemency. - Yours, etc, (Professor)
University of Bradford.