Controversial day care

Regarding the Opinion page article "Au Pair Program Biased to W. Europeans," July 30: The Au Pair agencies are restricted by USIA from recruiting anywhere but the 21 Western European countries, not 13 as stated by the author. All of the agencies have requested that USIA remove this restriction, but to no avail.

Moreover, to state that requiring USIA to supervise the Au Pair program "subverts USIA's mandate to tell America's story abroad ...." is not only inaccurate, it is contradictory. The more than 7,000 au pairs who return to Europe after being part of an American family for a year tell America's story far better than some television program. Barbara Cartledge, Greenwich, Conn. Vice President and Director Au Pair in America

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please fax letters to (617) 450-2317 or address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.