THE BBC RUSSIAN SERVICE continues to be dis- cussed in
our correspondence columns. The BBC itself, which was eager enough to answer (how- ever inadequately) one or two particular points I myself raised, has not yet contributed to the dis- cussion any reply to the more serious and general allegations made by various reputable scholars, and in the Spectator's editorial last week. It would raise some rather wide issues if the BBC decided to let the matter rest there, and I trust that an answer will finally be produced. If the BBC finds that the allegations are justified it would be better for its prestige to admit them than to defend the indefensible or to preserve a suspect silence. Meanwhile, I hope that its authorities may at least have remarked that the Spectator's criticisms have been supported by a number of independent critics, while the letters we have received in favour of the Russian programme have come from those with a direct interest in it—like that from Mr. Dimont this week, who does not conceal the fact, and the one in our issue of July 12, which a glance at the BBC Staff List and the telephone book shows to be from the address (though under a different signature) of one of the officials principally concerned.
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