H-test in Moscow
Sir: Alistair Home, whose biography of Harold Macmillan was published last year, shows astonishing agility (Letters, 28 July) in turning facts on their head. He says that Macmillan's diaries reveal that 'Hailsham's poor performance at Moscow' was a factor in causing Macmillan to reconsider Hail- sham's suitability as his successor. Yet, in the biography, Home quotes the following diary entry: 'I sent H. to Moscow on purpose, to test his powers of negotiation etc. He did very well.' Lord Home, then Foreign Secretary, confirms this estimate.
There is reason to think that President Kennedy approved, by and large, of Hail- sham's contribution in Moscow and warmed to him. The chief of the American delegation, Averell Harriman, was very ready to belittle Hailsham, then and in his interview with Home years later. For Home now to favour Harriman's verdict reflects as unhappily on his judgment as does his highly partisan and inaccurate portrayal of Antony Lambton.
M. R. Meadmore
8 Pennard Road, London W12
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