Scepticism, not gullibility

I found your analysis of "conspiracy theories" utterly dispiriting ("They would say that ..." 4 June). Of course there are myriad conspiracy theories, a large percentage of which can be shown to be barking mad. But implicit in your argument is the view that scepticism about official explanations leads to complicity with the proliferation of conspiracy theories.

There is so much evidence for attempts to invalidate questions about officials' actions (MPs' expenses a current example) that it shouldn't be surprising if on occasion such questioning smacks of paranoia.

Wade Mansell, Professor of international law, University of Kent.