THE BBC's YUGOSLAV SERVICE SIR,—With reference to your correspondence on
the BBC's Yugoslav service, the following facts may he of interest :
About two years ago the Yugoslav service invited a Mr. M. Gregovic from Belgrade to work in London. Mr. Gregovic accepted, duly wound up his affairs in Belgrade and started his new work. He was soon asked by the Yugoslav Embassy to report on his colleagues and the BBC. He refused and informed the BBC. This made him most unpopular with the Yugoslav authorities. The BBC (in the name of good relations?) terminated Mr. Gregovic's contract on a technicality.
Furthermore, when Mr. Gregovic informed certain BBC authorities that he dared not return to Yugo- slavia. pressure was brought to bear on him to do so, on the grounds that the Home Office had inti- mated that they would not grant him asylum. However, when he actually asked for asylum, he got it without difficulty and was told that the Home Office had not passed any such communication to the BBC!
At about the same time a permanent member of the BBC's Yugoslav service was sent to Yugoslavia under the 'exchange scheme.' But he returned within a few days. Apparently he had been approached by the Yugoslav Secret Police, but when he refused to 'co-operate' he had to leave the country hurriedly. The BBC hushed this matter up (in the name of good relations?).
It would be most interesting to hear what the BBC has to say about these incidents.—Yours faith- fully.
MICHAEL L. DERRY
Contpayne Mansions, Compayne Gardens. N W6
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