IMPARTIALITY REQUIRED

The attack on the Williamstown Institute of Politics appearing in an article by William Loeb of the Class of 1922 in today's "Outlook" strikes at the impartiality shown in picking speakers for the opening conference on Russia. According to the article, eight of the nine speakers definitely prejudiced in favor of an American acceptance of the Soviet included: Colonel Hugh Cooper, interested in hydroelectric developments on the Dnelper River, Harold Kellock of the Soviet Information Burean in Washington. Peter Brogdnoy, head of the Amtorg Trading Company and Paul D. Cravath representing other New York financial interests.

Whatever the actual situation in Russia may be, it is obvious that prejudice or even the appearance of prejudice will enlighten no one. Knowledge of Russia must come from disinterested observers who have lived in Russia. The fact that out of nine men chosen to speak on the Soviet eight should have been more than academically interested is distinctly unfortunate for the Williamstown Institute of Politics. The best education is nourished in liberalism. Any school for the improvement of political thought especially in international politics, must avoid even the appearance of prejudice or lose its influence.