CORRECTION ON ALGERIA

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

There is little doubt that Mr. A. K. Chanderli and his cause of Algerian independence were done a disservice by the publication of last Thursday's report in the CRIMSON, a disservice by the way, which he did not deserve.

In contrast to your article, the World Affairs Council did not offer any explanation, official or other for the cancellation. Although advised by Chartrand, the CRIMSON reporter never contacted the Council on this matter, and in contradiction of the CRIMSON, no official or other explanation was made.

Several of the contentions in that story bear rectification: the visit of the FLN representative was arranged by the Arab Students Association. The staff of the Worlds Affairs Council made tentative arrangements to hold a press-luncheon for him. This arrangement was vetoed by the Council's Executive Committee at the first opportunity without much ado, questioning why the Council, a non-partisan, educational organization should provide such a platform. It was questioned why the Harvard UN Council, one of the sponsors of Mr. Chanderli's trip, should not hold a press meeting instead. A membership meeting was suggested instead, in the form of a debate for those interested in educating themselves.

It was at this point that the undersigned contacted the French community leaders requesting suggestions for a debater taking the French Government's side. The French found themselves unable to fill this request, saying that no French representative would wish to debate with rebels at the same table and also doubting whether, at the present high pitch of emotions, such debate would serve any useful educational purpose besides provoking recriminations.

In lieu of this plan, the World Affairs Council then made arrangements notifying the membership that a meeting at the International Student Center would be open for them. Nicholas Nyary   Executive Director   World Affairs Council