The phrase "contrary to the letter" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that violates a general principle or instruction that has been previously established. For example, "The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff, contrary to the letter of the law."
In short, contrary to the letter writer's assumption, they represent no dilution of the security agency's resources.
Contrary to the letter writer's opinion, a great number of people have chosen not to have computers in their homes and thus rely on paper phone books to obtain necessary numbers and information.
In a memo, Jean Paul Luksic, the chief executive of Antofagasta, a London-registered mining firm, argues that the Chilean proposal "runs contrary to the letter and spirit" of existing mining concessions.
Among Mr. Cavallo's measures were tariff increases that Mr. Gordon, of Brookings, said were "contrary to the letter and the spirit" of Mercosur agreements, especially in the sensitive area of automobile imports from Brazil.
"We believe such conduct is contrary to the letter and spirit of the convention and our clients will be seeking a judicial review of the government's actions in January".
2011 Lowlight: Suggested this spring that the World Bank should take a direct political role in some poor countries, contrary to the letter and spirit of the bank's charter.
In a 17 May letter of protest to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, researchers say that the rule as written will cause "an incalculable loss to science" by permanently making such remains unavailable, and that the rule is "contrary to both the letter and the spirit of the law".
Contrary to legislation, the letter the family received had made no mention of the word "exclusion" and did not inform the parents of their right to lodge an appeal against it.
The crossword, contrary to the Editor's Letter headline ("Everything but the Crossword"), has indeed been reworked, to the better.
I would also like to state emphatically that contrary to the Nov. 20 letter "Disabled Children and Discipline," special education teachers and parents most certainly do not advocate for the placement of all disabled students in mainstream classrooms.
"Contrary to the claims in the letter, service providers would in every case be able to ensure that the decision as to whether a site should be blocked is made by the high court.
