Why the Elgin Marbles belong in Athens

SIR – We welcome John Lefas’s campaign to return the Parthenon Sculptures (report, October 2), improperly removed from Athens by Lord Elgin more than 200 years ago and still held by the British Museum.

Polling in Britain shows that, when the facts are known, a clear majority supports the sculptures’ return. This country’s international standing can only be enhanced by such gracious acts as initiating the reunification of the sculptures.

Mr Lefas’s initiative correctly identifies the British Museum Act 1963 as a major point of contention. The British Government presently says it’s a matter for museum trustees. The trustees say they are prevented by that legislation from returning the sculptures.

The law needs to be changed in order to overcome this impasse. The Acropolis Research Group – an international coalition with a common interest in the restitution of cultural artefacts and other treasures that were appropriated in dubious circumstances – encourages British politicians and museum trustees to engage fully in this project and put right a matter that has stained Britain’s reputation for more than two centuries.

Andrew George

Geoffrey White

Matthew Taylor

British Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures

David Hill

George Vardas

Elly Symons

Jim Mellas

Australian Parthenon Association Inc

Alexandra Pistofidou

Austrian Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Sculptures

SIR – Should Britain repatriate the Elgin Marbles, Benin Bronzes and Rosetta Stone?

Many years ago my wife and I visited Lascaux II, a perfect copy of the prehistoric works of cave art. Since 1983, 10 million people have visited these replicas, and I suspect that no one has been disappointed.

Modern technology should be able to produce accurate replicas of the aforementioned works of art. The originals could then be returned. Tony Palframan Disley, Cheshire