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Salient. Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 26, No. 7. Tuesday, June 18, 1963

"Press Privilege Mythical"

"Press Privilege Mythical"

The attitude of the British press towards the Vassall spy case was strongly criticised last week by Professor Keeton of London University.

Speaking to members of the Law Faculty Club he commented on "the alleged press privilege" of refusing to disclose sources of information. To be forced to do so was, he declared, "just an occupational hazard—the security of the state is the ultimate consideration."

The tribunal investigating this case had discovered serious press abuses. Journalists admitted that stories published as being "on the highest authority" were mere rumours picked up in the House of Commons lobby.

This exposure. Keeton said, highlighted a smear campaign by certain newspapers against Admiralty official Thomas Galbraith, forcing his resignation.