The B.B.C. and the Prime Minister
The B.B.C. have withdrawn, though not with the best possible grace, and not without exposing themselves to a merited rebuff from the Prime Minister. To ostracise persons who used their right as citizens to attend the People's Ca' vention, and debar them from giving artistic performance which have nothing whatever to do with their political opinions, was a piece of stupidity which deserved the Prime Ministers amiable castigation. It is one thing to refuse the sped facilities of the microphone for preventing the opinion of persons whose words are calculated to hamper the nation in its war effort. But Mr. Churchill, like most of us, and unhle the B.B.C., does not see the relation between musical or dramatic performances and political opinion. " Anything II? the nature of persecution, victimisation, or man-hunting is odious to the British people." The B.B.C.'s decision, under pressure, has been reversed; and it may be hoped that whoever was responsible for its excess of patriotic zeal—whether it was Sir Alan Powell, Mr. Ogilvie, or some other among those who direct its destinies—has taken to heart the Prime Ministers sensible words.
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