Controversy continues as to the effectiveness of foreign aid and hence whether it is a suitable activity for public financing. Frequently the discussion is in general terms, and country studies are uncommon. Thus, Dr Ozay Mehmet's appraisal of the ‘Effectiveness of Foreign Aid- the case of Somalia’, in this Journal, IX, I, May 1975, pp. 35–47, is Very welcome, particularly since lessons from Somalia's experience are probably applicable elsewhere in Africa. Nevertheless, some of his conclusions mislead on important and au courant issues. Hopefully this commentary will help set the record straight.