BR declines to record his recollections of Wittgenstein, as he has "already said what I have to say about him" in a BBC talk that was later published in BR's Portraits from Memory. BR states that "there are other things that I could say about Wittgenstein as a man, but I am not very anxious to say them."

Kallin is "very disappointed" to hear of BR's refusal to broadcast on Wittgenstein. Now it is with "great trepidation" that she suggests BR contribute a talk on G.E. Moore, emphasizing either the philosopher or the man himself.

Other potential speakers include John Wisdom, Leonard Woolf, and Morton White. Repetition is not a problem as Kallin states, "the most important thing is to have you viva voce".

Though BR is leaving London on January 20, and does not know when he will be returning, he does agree to record on G.E. Moore if a "recording machine" can be sent to his house in Wales. He asks Kallin how soon a script is due.

Kallin is "delighted" with BR's acceptance to record some reminiscences on G.E. Moore, and affirms that a recording car can be sent to his house in Wales as his convenience dictates. A script should be produced by BR in the next three weeks. Kallin asks to be notified when the script is finished so she can arrange the recording.

Leslie, a Talks producer, asks BR to be the "Guest of the Week" on a programme called "Woman's Hour". The programme enables a wide audience to hear from a speaker about his personal interests and tastes, "sometimes in answer to questions and and sometimes by means of a scripted talk." Smith calls it a "personality" piece, and mentions that other guests of the programme have been Sir John Wolfenden, Lord Stansgate, and Lord Boothby. The programme will be recorded and broadcast on May 27.

BR refuses to be the "Guest of the Week" on the "Woman's Hour" programme. The kind of talk involved is "something that I do not at all enjoy doing and never agree to doing."

Kallin thanks BR for sending his script for his talk on G.E. Moore. She asks when he will be available to record at his home, and mentions that a "charming and sympathetic" Talks producer from Bangor, Dyfnallt Morgan, will accompany the recording van.

Khalaf is Iraqi Ambassador.

Khalaf encloses a letter from the Iraqi Minister of Culture and Information (not present). The letter is addressed to BR and concerns the Arab Writers' Conference.

Al-Sammare'e is Iraqi Minister of Culture and Information.

Farley informs Al-Sammare'e that BR "cannot be associated in any way with the Conference of Arab Writers in Baghdad as long as the Iraqi government continues to imprison so many people for their political opinions."

Khalaf is Iraqi Ambassador.

Farley informs Khalaf that he has written to Dr. Saloum explaining the reasons why BR will not be attending the Arab Writers' Conference in Baghdad.

Al-Sammare'e thinks BR's reasons for not attending the Arab Writers' Conference in Iraq are due to "lack of correct information" concerning the situation in Iraq. Al-Sammare'e provides an outline of the 17 July 1969 revolution and expresses his "... compliments and my highest considerations to your [BR's] esteemed personality as a humanitarian thinker who denounced all aggressions and mainly the Zionist tyrant aggression in Palestine."

Al-Sammare'e has spelt his name as "Abdulla Salloon Al-Samarra'i", which is different from his previous spelling; see document .179359.

Bayati is President of the Iraqi Students Society in the UK.

Bayati invites BR to the 13th Annual Congress of the Iraqi Students Society. The Congress is being held 28 to 29 December 1964. Bayati mentions that, should BR not be able to attend, a message of greeting will suffice.

At the top of the page is Schoenman's handwritten response for BR; see record 67715.

On the same page as the document at record 67714. BR, responding to Bayati's letter, includes a statement to be read at the Society's Congress within the body of his letter. The statement urges Iraqi students to "... continue your efforts against Cold War policy and also to agitate for an end to the arbitrary imprisonment of citizens of Iraq."

The letter is a handwritten draft that appears at the top of the letter located at record 67714. The letter is undated, but keeping with BR's practice of responding the same day to correspondence, it is assumed the date is a day later than the original letter. The handwriting is Schoenman's.

BR's cable reads "Press statement issued and cable sent to Arif Thursday evening." Arif is spelled "Aref".

The document is a handwritten mailing address for Zaki, c/o Mr. Issam El-Zaim, 24 Rue Claude Guinot St. Ouen (Seine). The handwriting is assumed to be Zaki's.

Barzani asks BR to "... protest against the resumption of war and the use of means of mass killings against the Kurdish people who deeply appreciate every moral support."

The letter is signed "Khalid". It is assumed that the letter is from Khalid Zaki.

Zaki provides an outline of his travel plans and mentions that he will be back in London shortly after visiting Prague. He mentions that Lutfi has met BR.

The letter may be misdated for 1966, and the month is conjectural because it is obscured.

Unsigned.

Schoenman provides an outline of his travels, noting that he has met with the Algerian Ambassador. Schoenman mentions that he must meet with Zaki as "there are things I must tell you". He has also met with Lotfi (spelt "Loutfi").

Wood informs Zaki that Schoenman has been in Cairo and has met with Lotfi and Heikal. Wood mentions, on behalf of Schoenman, that "I'm to tell you that the events transcend petty differences between you and it is essential you act together on these matters, and that he must see you upon his return."

Although not signed, it is assumed that the writer is Pamela Wood, who apparently sent her letter in place of Schoenman's (at record 67720).

Wood encloses BR's statement (not present), which she hopes will be of use and mentions that "it is essential that you provide us with a written report on the recent conference in Paris."

Although not signed, it is assumed that the letter is from Pamela Wood. "Cairo office" is written at the top of the page. Re BR's statement: "I'm sorry that Ralph did not have enough time to tape it."

Makiya is President, Kufa University Founding Association.

Makiya, commenting on Israeli aggression, appeals to BR "... to make the voice of justice and reason well heard and to oppose and expose the policy of the gun and of incendiary bombs now directed against the Arab people of Palestine."

The second sheet is a list of individuals and organizations to whom an attached telegram was sent (not present). The second sheet is document .179372.

Schoenman encloses (not present) "... all statements of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation and of Lord Russell on the recent war of aggression waged by Israel in the Middle East."

Petran encloses an article (not present) concerning Khalid Zaki's death. Petran mentions that "Khalid's death is a tragedy, he was a rare person clean all the way through." Zaki apparently died in May.

Farley asks the Iraqi Student Society to contact the BRPF about "registered mail which we are holding for you", and "reports from Iraq of the shooting of six Iraqis in the south in an armed uprising, including possibly your former president, our colleague Khalid Zaki."

Farley thanks Petran for the article on Khalid Zaki's death. Farley mentions that "no doubt other brave souls will come forward in Iraq, but there'll never be another Khalid."

Farley will be back in London on 17 August 1968 "in order to speak at your meeting concerning Khalid Zaki."

Abbawy writes on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Iraqi Students Society in the UK. Abbawy confirms the memorial meeting for Khalid Zaki. The meeting is to take place 17 August 1968 at Conway Hall, London.

Dodds comments on the death of Khalid Zaki, noting that she feels "very honoured and proud to have know such a wonderful person." She was "... really sorry that I wasn't invited to the memorial meeting, but there must have been a reason for it, and I shall find out from the Iraqi Students Society."

On the verso: "Mr. Paul Tem 4552".

Wood thanks Dodds for her letter (see record 67730). She has told Schoenman about the "parcel addressed in Khalid's handwriting". Schoenman feels that "... there is a very very remote possibility that the official reports were incorrect and that Khalid is still alive somewhere."

Dodds "is inclined to agree" with Schoenman's inclination that Khalid Zaki is still alive. Dodds cites a conversation with a friend of Khalid's brother [Ghazi], who mentioned that Khalid's death "... didn't happen and that it was arranged...."

Wood encloses the letters (not present) that Dodds had left with her, and mentions not to "... forget to let me know if you hear anything from your Air Steward friend."

The document is a mailing card produced by the Committee. The card is addressed to the Iraqi Embassy, London.

BR is "... deeply concerned about the present crimes being carried out by the Kurdish people and the people of Iraq." BR asks Ajina to "... accept my invitation to come to Britain, so that we may discuss these matters."

The document is a printed leaflet published by the Movement for Defending Iraqi People. The movement, "... in co-operation with the Lord Russell Foundation have decided to call for an International Amnesty meeting to bring about the release of the [Iraqi] patriots."

The Iraqi Arab and Foreign Students gathered in Prague asks the BRPF to "... once again to use your offices to press on Iraqi government for release of all political prisoners in Iraq."

Janner is an M.P. on the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Janner informs BR of the "dreadful manner in which that country [Iraq] is treating its Jewish citizens." Janner hopes BR would be able to serve on a committee "... consisting mainly of distinguished non-Jews to concern themselves with the plight of Jews in Arab countries, and especially Iraq, Syria and Egypt.

Marks is secretary of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Farley, writing on behalf of BR, notes that while BR "is anxious to protect the rights of any persecuted minority, he feels that the rights of Palestinians must also be defended. As such, "if a British committee for Jews in Arab countries were to be established on any other basis, Lord Russell feels that it would be discredited and ineffective."

Marks, commenting on Farley's letter (see record 67739), mentions that the people serving on the committee are unable to commit to the defence of Palestinian rights, "... although I have no doubt there will be many who share sympathy with Lord Russell's views."

Farley, responding to Marks' letter (see record 67740), comments that "... whoever may be the members of the proposed committee, Lord Russell does not share the view that this is not a political matter."

The statement notes that BR's representatives, travelling to Iraq on the invitation of President Arif, "will, among other things determine the validity of the charges concerning the alleged ill-treatment of political prisoners by the Iraqi government." Those listed as BR's representatives are Ralph Schoenman, Patrick Pottle, and Khalid Ahmed Zaki.

BR comments on the millenary tribute to Al-Kindi and the city of Baghdad. BR notes that "in this dangerous time every dispute becomes a potential source of global catastrophe. Those of us who are not party to conflict have a special responsibility to apply united and possible pressure upon the belligerents to remember their humanity and forget the rest." The message has been edited in BR's hand.

BR comments on the recent coup d'état in Iraq, noting the "many reports of atrocities and massacres". BR also calls "absurd" the Iraqi government's refusal to let Schoenman enter the country on the grounds that he is a Jew.

BR notes that "the recent decision of the British government to supply Iraq with military equipment is a shameful one, and strongly to be condemned."

Also present is a copy of the statement, document .179395, TS(CAR).

BR comments on "the atrocities and the widespread torture of political prisoners which occurred under the Ba'ath in Iraq." BR notes that "war is the destroyer of human well being. The freedom to speak out against autocratic or unwise policy is the first condition for a constructive national life." The message is typed on Plas Penrhyn letterhead.

Also present are two copies of the message:

Document .179398, a one-page edited TS(CAR).
Document .179396, a one-page edited TS. Schoenman has handwritten an additional paragraph at the foot of the page, and the copy is signed "Bertrand Russell" and dated 29/12/63.

BR comments on the Iraqi Embassy decision to withdraw the passport of Khalid Zaki, noting that it "... is in direct violation of the Embassy's own press release of this year...." The statement was originally dated 9 February 1964, but "February" has been crossed out and replaced by "April".

BR comments that "with every day that passes the corrupt and brutal group which rules Baghdad descends into greater barbarity." BR cites the use of poison gas and napalm against the Kurds. BR states "the time is overdue for the people of Iraq to join the Kurdish resistance and rise against the cruelty that has caused so much death and suffering."

Also present are two copies of the statement, documents .179401 and .179402, both TL(CAR).

Ahmad is President of the Iraqi Students Society in the UK. Ahmed extends an invitation for BR to attend the Student's 15th Annual Conference and Spring Festival. The conference is to be held 20 March 1967. Ahmad requests that BR send a message of greetings if he is unable to attend the conference.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TLS(X).

BR refers to the IWCT and equates the Iraqi struggle with that of the Vietnamese. BR hopes that "... the liberation of Iraq, to which I am sure you are dedicated, will transpire before long."

Also present is a copy of the message, document .179496, TS(CAR).

The document contains the text of a speech made by Christopher Farley, and the text of a message from Ralph Schoenman on the occasion of a meeting to Mark the death of Khalid Zaki. The meeting took place 17 August 1968 in London.

Farley comments: "No words will express our loss. But the memory of Khalid will remain long after the overthrow of the despicable and corrupt régime against which he pitted his life."

Schoenman comments: "... Che [Guevara] is dead, Khalid is dead and something in me will not live again."

Coates and Farley comment on the crimes of the Ba'ath régime in Iraq and urge the readers of The Guardian "to take every opportunity to denounce these crimes." The letter has been titled "Terror in Iraq".

At the top of the page: "Photocopy given to Chris 14/09/70".

Farley comments on the persecution of Iraqi students. Farley cites the case of N.N. Al-Adhami who "... is in danger of having his studies cut short by the refusal of the Iraqi Embassy in London to renew his passport...." Farley refers to two previous presidents of the Iraqi Students Society who "have been shot dead". Khalid Zaki was one of those shot dead while in Iraq. The letter is copied to Joanna Rollo, head of the International Department, National Union of Students, and to Ken Coates.

Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179410, TL(CAR).

Lemass is Prime Minister of Ireland.

Schoenman asks for Lemass' opinion on two enclosed articles (not present). The articles concern the true nature of Western aggression in the Congo, and the true nature of the war of atrocity in Vietnam.

The private secretary to the Irish Prime Minister acknowledges the receipt of Schoenman's letter; see record 67753. The private secretary's signature is not legible.

Kallin thanks Morgan for agreeing to record a talk with BR at his home in Wales. She asks him to call BR before arriving, and confirms that the talk will be on BR's reminiscences of G.E. Moore and is 10 to 15 minutes long. Kallin encloses (not present) two copies of the script. Kallin refers to BR as "the old boy" and assures Morgan that "you will know the only thing with him is just to like him."

Smith confirms that in the "Women's Hour" the guest of the week is "free, and indeed welcome, to speak on any theme of his choice." She affirms that "although clearly certain items in the programme are directed particularly to those with domestic interest and female responsibilities, many items in the course of the week are of deeper significance and much wider interest." Smith mentions that Bob Boothby is the guest next week and hopes BR has a chance to listen to the programme.

Morgan mentions that the "joins" in the tape, the recording of BR's talk on G.E. Moore, are due to BR having "rather bungled" a section of the talk, which section was re-recorded. Morgan is surprised that BR overestimated the reading time, "in view of his precision in most matters".

BR has been considering Smith's request to speak on the "Women's Hour" programme, but cannot accept due to his workload.

Kallin thanks BR for "a most wonderful talk", referring to his talk on G.E. Moore. She mentions that it will be broadcast at the beginning of April, and will write again to confirm an exact date.

Kallin confirms the date of the broadcast of BR's talk on G.E. Moore as April 27. She encloses (not present) scripts of the contributions from other speakers in the same programme.

BR thanks Kallin for informing him of the rebroadcast of the debate between him and Copleston. BR is "very glad it is considered worthy of this repetition".

Fraser asks BR to consider another contribution for the German language programmes. The German Service, in cooperation with Stuttgart Radio, are proposing three one-hour programmes on "Atomic Energy". The programme will cover "all the main aspects of the problems connected with atomic energy, scientific, military, political, and moral." Fraser asks BR to contribute a 3 to 5 minute talk on the moral and political aspects. The Service will be happy to translate BR's script and help him with the recording of it. The recording could be done in Wales, but the German Service would prefer London. There is no hurry for a manuscript to be produced, and Fraser asks for BR's availability.

BR agrees "in principle" to contribute a talk for the German Service's series on "Atomic Energy". He will be in London on January 24, 25, "and perhaps" 26. A script could be produced within three weeks, "or sooner".

Fraser is "delighted" at BR's acceptance of a talk in the "Atomic Energy" series. Recording in London on January 24 or 25 should not prove difficult. A script produced in three weeks will give the German Service a chance to translate it.

When BR sent his script, he says he neglected to mention that a recording date of June 26 would be better than June 24 or 25.

Lucas, a producer for the German Service, is in charge of the "Atomic Energy" series, thanks BR for sending his script. He has only changed one word (re "next Summit meeting"), and hopes BR agrees with the change. He mentions that the recording will take place on June 26 at Bush House after 11 a.m.

Kallin hopes that BR will be interested in broadcasting on a forthcoming book on Trotsky, the second of three, by Isaac Deutscher, Prophet Unarmed.

BR is interested in Isaac Deutscher, having read "with great interest" the first volume. Yet BR is "too busy to undertake anything not connected with nuclear warfare."

Smith, a Talks producer, asks BR to contribute reflections on or reminiscences of Jacob Epstein.

Hodes is an Israeli writer.

Hodes reports that Schoenman was asked by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Ish-Shalom, to omit reference to "nuclear disarmament in the Middle East" during his speech at the Jerusalem Prize Ceremony.

Hodes notes that Schoenman read a passage from BR's writings "... in which Russell referred inter alia to the Israeli-Arab dispute and called upon men to stress what they have in common and to overcome their differences, lest all of mankind be destroyed."

Hodes comments on the Arab refugee problem. Among those mentioned in his article is Martin Buber.

BR comments on various conflicts around the world, and states that "it is incumbent upon Israelis to disavow the rocket and nuclear arms race in the Middle East."

Mapam (United Workers' Party) is an Israeli political party.

Schoenman, writing to the executive of Mapam, asks them to consider a draft proposal concerning Arab refugees. He refers to Abdul Aziz Zu'bi.

B'ari is the editorial secretary for the New Outlook.

B'ari thanks BR for "... the important message which you were gracious enough to send our journal on the occasion of our fifth anniversary."

Talmor mentions that BR's message "... to the symposium of the fifth anniversary of the New Outlook has given to the occasion a dignity." Talmor includes some of his thoughts on metaphysics and asks BR "... if you could give your opinion about my ideas. Do you consider them as worthy of being published in the form of an enlarged article in Mind?"

Aubrey Hodes provides a translation of Bashan's article in the 25 February 1963 issue of Maariv.

Bashan writes about BR's continued opposition to the death sentences passed on Russian Jews. Bashan refers to correspondence between BR and Martin Buber regarding letters to Khrushchev.

Follow-up: see B&R E63.02.

BR declines to record a talk on Jacob Epstein, as there is "not very much of his work that I know and I have nothing of interest to say about it." BR is "overwhelmed" with the work he has.

Smith is "disappointed" BR cannot contribute to the programme on Epstein, but appreciates BR's reasons.

Fuller, an Overseas Talks producer, asks BR to contribute a talk on his views "on man in the evolutionary process and how you personally envisage his future development." Fuller refers to an article in The Observer by Julian Huxley, where he expounds his idea that recent evolution is cultural rather than genetic.

BR does not accept Fuller's invitation to record a talk on the future of mankind, as he has "nothing to say about the future of mankind that would take as long as 8 minutes." BR thinks "the great powers of East and West will see to it that no human beings exist at the end of the present century...."

In response to BR's refusal of a talk on the future of mankind, Fuller finds that "what you say is so profoundly shocking in its pessimism that I fear it will seem trivial to express regret about the broadcast." She feels that BR could discuss the threat of nuclear warfare in context of the broadcast on mankind "but I am not going to make a nuisance of myself by pressing you."

Weltman, a Talks department producer, on behalf of All India Radio, asks BR to contribute material for a programme on Rabindranath Tagore. He encloses (not present) a copy of "the general briefing we received from Delhi." Weltman asks whether BR would rather record a short talk or an interview.

A secretary writes that BR must decline to do a talk for Weltman and all Radio India on Rabindranath Tagore, as he is busy with work in connection with movements against nuclear warfare. A similar letter has been sent to Aurobindo Bose. The secretary's initials are those of Edith Russell.

Ferguson, a Talks producer, asks BR to contribute a talk for a programme called "What's the Idea?". The series gives a chance for minority leaders to "explain themselves, in reply to close questioning by two or three interested and articulate critics." Ferguson would like BR to defend, clarify, and expose prejudice of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. The programme would be broadcast in June on the Home Service. Ferguson has heard from Niouta Kallin [Anna Kallin] that BR has been looking for this kind of opportunity.

BR would like to accept the opportunity to defend the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, and apologizes for the delay in responding. His correspondence of late has been "enormous".

BR expects there would be a rehearsal with the opposing critics.

A secretary, Rosalind Russell, writes that Ferguson is on holiday and will be in touch with BR when more details become available.

Ferguson is "sorry" to hear that BR is ill and hopes he will be well "long before June". The interviewing team for BR's defence of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament will be Dennis Healey, Michael Howard, and Richard Wollheim. She hopes that BR will meet with his "inquisitors" over dinner. Ferguson asks BR for a copy of his talk he gave to the Youth Campaign at Birmingham on April 15, as she has been unable to find a full report. She looks forward to seeing BR well and in "fighting spirit" on June 30.

Ferguson quotes a missing letter: "One of your points is proved by the fact that the press only took up your daring post script." Ferguson is sorry to hear that BR will not be well enough by the end of June, and has cancelled the "What's the Idea?" programme scheduled for that time. The programme may be rescheduled later. She explains that the article in next week's Radio Times had gone to press before she could revoke it after reading BR's letter.

Hodes comments that BR's "recent correspondence with Soviet Premier Khrushchev has attracted a great deal of attention in Israel." Hodes suggests that BR visit Israel as it would "... be one of the peaks of a long life devoted so steadfastly to peace and the cause of international understanding."

Schoenman thanks Bashan "for the lunch and your kindness".

Schoenman encloses "some anti-nuclear literature concerning the Committee of 100" (not present).

BR thanks Hodes for his letter, and declines the invitation to visit Israel "because of the work I am engaged in and the energy required for travel at my age."

Lourie is Israeli Ambassador.

Lourie conveys "an invitation on behalf of the Hebrew University to visit Israel as their guest."

BR is "most grateful" for the invitation to visit Israel, but mentions that "I am afraid that my age and the energy such a trip would require prohibits me from accepting." BR asks if it would be possible for either Schoenman or Nicholas Johnson to visit Israel as his representative.

Hodes encloses a translation of the article about Schoenman that appeared in Maariv, and looks forward to meeting Schoenman "... one day, either here in Israel or in England."

The enclosed translation is titled "The English Philosopher's Jewish Secretary". The article, by Rafael Bashan, mentions that Schoenman "... is not just a technical secretary, but Russell's right-hand man, his personal friend, chief adviser, and spokesman. He speaks on behalf of the aged seer to the great figures of the world."

[The interview contains much information on BR and Schoenman, although exaggerated in parts. See Schoenman's corrections at record 67801.]

Shereshevsky is editor of the Israeli Ihud magazine Ner. Shereshevsky proposes that BR "write a letter to every head of states and governments here", asking them to submit to "international supervision and control of all nuclear plants".

Shereshevsky tells BR that "we would be very happy if our proposal would find your interest."

Evron is Israeli counsellor.

Evron acknowledges the receipt of BR's letter of 19 March 1963.

Hodes extends an invitation for Schoenman to visit Israel.

Hodes mentions that "we are naturally sorry" that BR cannot accept the invitation to visit Israel, and they are following up on BR's suggestion to invite Schoenman.

Ben-Gurion is Prime Minister of Israel.

BR comments on the arms race in the Middle East, noting that "... unless Israel or the Arabs find it possible to make a dramatic concession, such as will break the present deadlock, nothing can forestall a rocket and nuclear arms race...." BR suggests "... international supervision and control of all nuclear plants and rocket delivery systems."

Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179432, TL(X).

Schoenman thanks Hodes for the translation of an article about him that had appeared in Maariv. Schoenman will "... be coming to Israel on the 22nd of this month to accept an award given Lord Russell in Jerusalem", and hopes he will be able to meet Hodes.

Schoenman, writing to the editor of Maariv, comments on the "article you have published which purports to be an interview with me." Schoenman cites 19 "major inaccuracies in the article".

Also present are three copies of the letter, documents .179435, .179436, and .179437; all TL(CAR). For the interview, see the translation at record 67794.

Navon is Political Secretary to the Israeli Prime Minister.

Navon acknowledges the receipt of BR's letter of 8 April 1963.