DEFENDS CFIA

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Having had long and fruitful association with the Center for International Affairs as a Research Associate, I was both surprised and dismayed by the assumption which ran through the Special issue on the Center that in some fashion the Center has been dominated by a single outlook, pervading all its activities.

If I may respond in personal terms, I can only say that this in no way fits with my experience of the Center. I have heard every kind of view expressed in its seminars, in its miscellaneous gatherings, and around the lunch table. In particular I have myself under the general auspices of the Center published one small book and a number of articles dealing with African affairs, on none of which have I ever had the faintest suggestion that they should reflect or embody and particular point of view.

In addition I have for some years been in charge of an African lunch group meeting regularly at he Center, embracing graduate students, faculty, and various visitors, at which a considerable number of persons. African and non-African, have spoken. They represented every kind of view that I could lay hands on, and no authority in the Center either knew that particular individuals had been invited, suggested that others should be asked, or commented critically on those who came.