By what law can the Elgin Marbles be returned?

sir – The EU inserted a clause into the trade negotiations that says: “The parties should, consistently with Union rules, address issues relating to the return or restitution of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin.” One official has confirmed that this refers to the Elgin Marbles (report, February 19).

Why does this not equally apply to the French, who it could be said took illegally the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace? Indeed, Napoleon tried to buy the Elgin Marbles himself, but fortunately the answer from Britain was a de Gaullian “Non”.

What all this will come down to is the definition of “unlawfully”, but in relation to whose law is this definition to be established? The matter has already been settled under British law by Mr Justice Morritt in 2005, when the legal principles were tested in court. Museums are protected by the

Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire

British Museum Act 1963, which prevents persons and countries pursuing claims after a certain period of time. The judgment specifically related to art looted by the Nazis, which apparently occurred far too long ago, so Lord Elgin’s activities are safe under British law.

The EU will no doubt want this tried in the European court. It should realise that the Winged Victory might then be flying back to Greece, and the Louvre be left empty of treasures and visitors. Professor Robin Sellar

University of Edinburgh

sir – The Ishtar Gate, taken from ancient Babylon, is now a major and spectacular exhibit at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

When will Germany be returning it to Iraq? Rodney Castleden

Seaford, East Sussex