Red herring
Sir: Paul Johnson writes (The press, 1 June) that as Dr John Rae and the Mail on Sunday's accounts conflict as to what occurred after the Mail on Sunday con- ceived the idea for John Rae to spend a day at an Oxfordshire comprehensive, it is difficult to apportion blame. He then goes on to do precisely that by saying that a large number of people in one part of Oxfordshire are now convinced 'from bit- ter personal experience that Fleet Street is dishonest'. My own bitter personal experi- ence is somewhat different. It is not Fleet
Street which is especially dishonest, but society and particularly that section of society which, lacking all conviction rooted in the common experience of ordinary people, is prepared to lie and obfuscate in order that they may retain face among their peer group at whatever cost to others or to society as a whole.
The other day a man equally disting- uished as Dr Rae in his chosen profession, telephoned me with some heat to say that we had both grotesquely misquoted him and made up quotes 'in order to get your
story'. He demanded that we should not merely instantly retract but pay him sub- stantial damages. The following conversa- tion — and it is verbatim — then ensued. Myself: I'm sorry to hear that. I shall listen to the conversation again and get back to you.
Caller: (long pause) Well, what I'm saying is that you took what I said totally out of context.
Myself: I had assumed that when you suggested these quotes had been invented you were exaggerating. I shall specifically listen for anything taken out of context and ring you back.
Caller: (long pause) You know what I mean.
Myself: Not really. I've already heard the conversation and I thought we were more than fair. But let me listen to it again. Caller: Look I don't want to make a fuss but I'm under some pressure.
Myself: I'm sorry to hear that.
Caller: Oh well.
Myself: Should I call you back?
Caller: Maybe I'll call you.
I'm still waiting. In this case, without the protective umbrella of modern technology, Mr Johnson would have had yet another example of Fleet Street 'dishonesty' with which to shock his readers.
Stewart Steven
Editor, Mail on Sunday, Carmelite House, London EC4
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