Wednesday, October 4, 2000 Violence
threat prevails at Oxford University:
Second invite to David Irving
cancelled OXFORD University's
Reform Club has informed David
Irving that it has been forced to
withdraw its May 2000 invitation to speak
this Nov. 7 to a student and public
audience. His topic was to have been:
"Reconciling the Laws of Libel with
Freedom of Speech". Jonathan
Marshall of
the university's Keble College,
Joint-President of the Oxford Reform Club,
has now told Mr Irving: "We regret to inform you that
we are forced to withdraw your
invitation to speak to the Oxford
Reform Club. We are not a society which
enjoys the luxury of having our own
premises, so we must rely on the
goodwill of colleges and others to
allow us to hire suitable rooms. It has
become increasingly clear that we would
be unable to find a room for your
meeting. Additionally, it is clear that
we would need to implement special
security measures to ensure the safety
of all those who wanted to be present.
According to University statues, such a
cost would have to be borne by the
Oxford Reform Club. As you will no
doubt appreciate, we are not a rich
society, and we simply could not afford
to pay such costs. The society remains
committed to freedom of speech, so that
all views can be aired and debated. We
regret that it simply unfeasible for
this right to be excercised on this
occasion." Mr Irving received the message late on
Oct. 4 at Orlando, Florida, where he had
just addressed a large audience in a
bookstore (the proceeds went with his
consent to the local Holocaust Memorial
Fund). He responded to Marshall: "As
predicted." He had shortened his US
speaking tour to be back in the UK for the
important Oxford function. Picking up Marshall's explanation that
"we are not a rich society, and we simply
could not afford to pay such costs," Mr
Irving has asked him: "What costs are we
talking of? I am sure my supporters would
raise the funds involved, if you state a
figure. Or is this just an excuse?" This website will report on any
reply. Related
items and links:- April
2000: Oxford
University Union cancels Irving Speech,
bowing to Threats of Violence
-
The
Oxford Reform Club
-
University
of Oxford
-
Contact
Jonathan
Marshall
of Keble College, Oxford, OX1 3PG, Tel / Fax : (44) 7092
091980
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