Lost and Found

* Your Nov. 29 story about the Tokyo Metropolitan Lost and Found implied that Americans would be much less likely than Japanese to return lost objects of value. I have dropped significant sums of cash three times in the Los Angeles area, a total of over $2,000, and every time it was returned. The finders represented the three major non-Asian ethnic groups. None required any incentive whatsoever, and there was never any indication of religious motivation. Regardless of the rantings of the religious right, the fundamental decency, civility, integrity and intelligence of the American people are intact.

Perhaps what we lack is the institutional support provided in Tokyo. No sensible person in America would turn anything over to a government agency and expect it to be returned to its owner.

GEORGE TUCKER

Redondo Beach