Professor’s Connivance In Hoax Annoys “The Times"

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 13

Professor’s Connivance In Hoax Annoys “The Times"

(Special Correspondent N-ZP-A.)

LONDON, February 16. Some members of the staff of Reading University and "The Times”—are angry and annoyed ever a hoax put over by students with the connivance of a university professor. ■ They think it was carrying filings too far when newspapers, television, and the public were tricked into believing there had been a discovery of diamonds in the River Thames.

"Some of my colleagues are very annoyed,” said Professor Percival Allen, geology professor at the university, who testified to the authenticity of the discovery in the newspapers and in both radio and television interviews. “But if you are planning a hoax you have to go the whole hog. I have no time for temerity tn such things." ’’The Times’* strongly criticised Professor Allen in a leading article and apologised to-its readers

for “having wasted their time on a pack of lies told publicly and in his official capacity by Professor Allen.

“This sort of thing,” it said, “should remain the prerogative of youth; and dons should no more indulge in it than the: should belong to roof-climbing clubs or debag one another in the course of celebrations after athletic irictqries.” “The Times" said the governing body would no doubt take note of “this discreditable affair.*’ “The Times’s" special correspondent asked Professor Allen if what he said on television was not a lie and whether he thought his action professionally ethical. Professor Allen said he didn’t doubt that it was lying but added: “I think it perfectly ethical to take part in a harmless—and obvious—joke. If you’ve got to tell a fib you’ve got to tell a big one."