Disappearing support for return of Parthenon marbles

Visitors view sculptures of The Parthenon marbles collection at the British Museum in London. Photograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA

International support would certainly strengthen Greece’s hand in seeking the return of the Parthenon marbles (Greece could turn to UN in battle for Parthenon marbles, 9 May). But how much support would they get?

When I was British ambassador in Greece 20 years ago I was asked by a Greek MEP to forward a letter signed by a number of MEPs to John Major, then prime minister, asking for the return of the marbles. I said I was happy to do so, and suggested that the letter would carry more weight if it confirmed that the non-Greek MEPs who signed were at the same time lobbying their own governments to return any Parthenon marbles held in their national museums. My friend agreed that was a good idea and took back the letter. I never saw it again.
Oliver Miles
Oxford

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