Sir – It was in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce (Past Times, March 29) that Lindemann, later Lord Cherwell, toured the continent in the summer of 1933, seeking out refugee scientists.

I well remember him visiting us in Selva in the Italian Dolomites to induce my father, Max Boru, to come to Oxford.

My grateful father retained Cherwell’s friendship, despite having to decline the invitation, as he had already accepted an invitation from Lord Rutherford.

That brought us to Cambridge, to safety, and to a wonderful new life in this country. So this little letter provides another opportunity for expressing gratitude.

Gustav Boru, Lyneham