Subject: Re: Dear Mr Buffett, and your letter next week.
We always knew which stocks in the portfolio had been purchased by Lou Simpson.

Sure, but only because of a quirk in the 13F reporting regulations. His portfolio was held entirely within a separate entity.

The simple reason that the originators of individual trades are not disclosed is the same reason the length of Mr Buffett's lunch is not disclosed: we have no inherent right to that information, and it could conceivably be to the detriment of the firm somehow if publicised.

The company has a general policy of preferring not to discuss any current positions, and for good reason.

Jim