I AM astonished that you have not given major space to the disgraceful decision of Nestl to claim, through the courts, the sum of $6 million due to them (or to Rowntree?) because of the actions of a former government of Ethiopia.

Many of us, through the Jubilee movement, have been pressing our governments, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to cancel debts of the poorest countries, to give them a chance of feeding, educating and providing clean water for their people.

This campaign is having some effect - and already a few countries are benefiting markedly.

Now Nestl, with profits of nearly four billion dollars in six months, 'needs' to impoverish and punish a country already on its knees.

Joseph Rowntree must be turning in his grave!

In your paper, we read that Hilary and Brian Saynor had hosted in their home a coffee morning which raised £371 for the Ethiopian Famine Appeal (December 22).

Well done! But how will they feel if this goes straight back to Nestl's pocket, leaving the starving people of Ethiopia even more abandoned and desperate?

I hope many will write in strong protest to Nestl urging them to reconsider this cruel and selfish decision.

Joyce Pickard,

Saville Grove,

York.

Updated: 12:27 Monday, December 30, 2002