Sir: In connection with our cultural rela- tions with the
USSR, Mr Simon Richards writes (Letters, 30 January): 'All such links should be broken until the Kremlin learns to live with freedom'. I picture the Kremlin on its knees, promising troop-withdrawal from Afghanistan, if only the RSC will not deny Moscow Nicholas Nickleby. I am sure that Mr Richards knows that this is as likely a situation as an Ireland free of the British Army because Mrs Thatcher cracked under
the threat of the Bolshoi refusing to per- form at the Coliseum.
The trouble with withdrawal tactics is not only their political ineffectiveness whether we are talking about wheat or art — but that any smug principle which might seem to be upheld, or any satisfaction which might be felt wounding Mr Brezhnev, is weakened by the spectacle of increased numbers of innocent people with less bread or less art: Do we hope that the people will rise up in protest? It is more likely that Mr Brezhniv can effectively blame the shortage upon his enemies.
The promotion of cultural exchange is an attempt to increase international understan- ding. Certainly I learned more about Russia whilst on an exchange there than any Western journalist could have taught me through his writings, and I am sure my Rus- sian counterpart was similarly enlightened by his stay here.
Having withdrawn wheat, computers, spare parts and whatever, if we then withdraw any attempt to promote understanding, the mutual exchange of bullets becomes more likely.
Peter James
Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, King Street, London SW6
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