Mr Heath
Sir: I am puzzled by what seems to be a new trait in your editorial policy, namely the vilification of Mr Edward Heath.
In your issue of 27 November in a review of Mr Heath's new book the editor himself sought, by means of unwarrantable cynicism, to denigrate what is a sincere account of one man's lifelong passion. Perhaps because of a lack of appreciation of music, Mr Chancellor, faced with the prospect of filling a whole page with one book review, had to fall back on a vain attempt at ridicule.
But at least that 'review' carried with it a modicum of courtesy, something which was lacking in Mr Wheatcroft's references to him in your Notebook of last week's issue. This proved to be just one more squalid example of the Spectator's continuing policy of discrediting Mr Heath and of sneering at his stand on certain issues when it differs from your own.
I have no objection to you publishing honest and reasoned critiques of Mr Heath's views, but when you resort to the petty backbiting in which you have recently been indulging your whole journal begins to lose credibility. Mr Heath is a much respected man, held in high esteem by many young people, such as myself, at this university. By continuing your tiresome attacks you are only creating hostility towards yourself.
Martin Webster Christ's College, Cambridge
Previous page
