Crossword Error

The Compiler of The Times Crossword apparently believes Freemasonry to be a secret society. A clue in the crossword for 13 May caused the Grand Secretary to write to the editor as follows:

Dear Sir,

My journey to work was frustrating on Tuesday as I struggled with 10 Across in the Times Crossword 22,350 - 'His Order's a secret one to rescue close family members'. Then I realised that your compiler's solution was 'Freemason'. Is the compiler aware that he/she is in breach of a July 2001 ruling of the European Court of Human Rights that Freemasonry is not a secret society?

Yours faithfully

Robert Morrow
Grand Secretary

The letter's editor of The Times responded :

Dear Mr Morrow,

Thank you for writing to the Editor of The Times on May 14. Your comments have been carefully noted and a copy of your letter passed to the Crossword Editor.

Yours sincerely,

Ivan Barnes
Letters Editor