Flying the flag

I was taken aback by Geoffrey Alderman's remark (THES, "Will kite-mark fly overseas", October 23) "... if my own experiences are anything to go by, the role of the British Council in defending British university interests abroad is a very uninspiring one". This is totally at variance with my experience over many years and in many countries. Recently I have led missions to Argentina, Korea and South Africa on behalf of a Scottish Office initiative and the support of the British Council on each occasion has been positive, constructive and committed.

Sir Graeme Davies Principal, University of Glasgow