Believe nothing until it is officially denied

by Patrick Cockburn Journalist, Patrick Cockburn, provides a great insight into the world of his legendary journalistic father Claud. The title of the book, Believe Nothing Until It's Officially Denied, a phrase, credited to Claud, has become the mantra for journalists the world over. Claud Cockburn was the son of a foreign office diplomat, went to Berkhamsted school in Hertfordshire, then onto Oxford University, where he was close friends with novelist Graham Greene. He was also related to Evelyn Waugh. But that is about where the conventional establishment formation ends. Claud and Greene travelled in the Europe of the inter-war years, seeing much devastation and importantly the rise of fascism. Claud became a reporter for the Times in Europe, then America. He was highly valued by the then Times editor, Geoffrey Dawson, and the management. But in 1932, he struck out on his own, creating a shoestring operation, The Week magazine - a kind of newsletter, breaking news not seen anywhere else. It was small circulation but with excellent inside sources, essential reading, particularly in relation to what was happening in Europe, with the rise of the Nazis in Germany and the Spanish civil war. Claud reported directly via his own eye witness accounts and connections. His wide range of contacts ensured important insights. Claud joined the Communist Party and reported for the Daily Worker for many years. He was a communist for the rest of his life. One of the important Claud exposes was how media and politicians in Britain and beyond were colluding in the appeasement policy towards Hitler. He exposed the role of the Cliveden set, around the Astor family, which by the 1930s owned the Times and much of the media, in helping foster support for appeasement. Government policy at the time (1930s) was not to offend the Nazi regime. Also, at the time, the editor of the Times, constantly altered reports, so they were not overly critical of Hitler. Claud's form of guerilla journalism involved using all weapons at his disposal to expose what was going on and the approaching catastrophe. He seemed to attract opprobrium from all sides. MI5 were constantly monitoring his activities, yet he also managed to annoy Stalin and Kremlin chiefs. Maybe confirmation that he was getting it right in journalistic balance terms. Author Patrick Cockburn obviously has a ringside seat regarding his father's life. An excellent journalist himself, Patrick, provides a most insightful commentary. In pulling things together, he highlights how The Week was a unique instrument for the 1930s. Once , in many ways, Claud had revealed the truth, the role of The Week ceased. However, post war, guerilla journalism continued in other forms. Claud played a big role in the creation and success of Private Eye. He also worked for Punch in the 1950s, when it became more rebellious under Malcolm Muggeridge's editorship. There were columns and commentary across the international media. Patrick Cockburn summarises how journalism in the 1960s and 70s was less restricted, more doing the job of bringing accountability to the ruling cliques. However, most of the time, the mass of media are just a PR extension of government and capital. Never has this been more so than today, particularly in the reporting of conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine. Indeed, author Patrick suggests that Claud's guerilla style journalism is needed as much today as in the 1930s. And we are beginning to see it via the likes of Novara Media, the Canary and ofcourse the Morning Star. Publications like Private Eye play a part, as do individual journalists embedded in the mainstream media. One interesting quote from Claud on the need to speak truth to power was that truth needs to be spoken to the powerless, in order that they maybe empowered to act. Patrick Cockburn has produced a fascinating book about his father's life, with some excellent insights relevant to journalism today. A great read for all but a compulsory text for any aspiring journalists out there. Published by Verso £30