A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK I T is understood that a Press Attache
at the British Embassy in Moscow is about to be appointed. This is obviously a step of capital importance, and it would be reassuring to know that that is being realised where it should be. It is a post of immense difficulty. Moscow is the home of propaganda, and the efficiency of anyone dealing with information and propaganda will be appraised swiftly and ruthlessly. This appointment seems belated enough, but even so it would be far better to send no one at all than to send someone inadequate. At Rome in the recent past we had Sir William McClure, formerly Times correspondent there ; at Paris Sir Charles Mendl. At Washington there is Sir Gerald Campbell, with an efficient staff. This is no time to send men of lesser calibre than that to Moscow—though they need not be knights. Essential qualifications are some knowledge of Russian, some contact with, if not actual experience of, journalism and a certain reasonable degree of sympathy with Russia's general attitude. A man, moreover, of some standing and force of character, and with a diplomatic mind if not diplomatic experience, is obviously needed ; an Old Etonian tie is not in- dispensable in Moscow. About the particular choice understood to have been made I will say nothing—the prospective attaché did not appoint himself, and he may be admirably qualified for other posts, if not for this—except that he, or anyone else who may, after all, be chosen, must be judged by the criteria I have suggested. No one without most or all of those qualifications ought to go to Moscow. There is the possibility here of com- mitting a calamitous mistake, and it seems very near being committed. The responsibility lies, I understand, with the Ministry of Information, but the Foreign Office ought obviously to concern itself in the matter.
Previous page
