The Times (London).
19 November 1970
JACK THE RIPPER
From Mr. William Bradfield.
Sir, The B.B.C., in the person of Mr. Kenneth Allsop, apparently finds it extraordinary and rather laughable that my brother in law, Dr. Eldon Stowell, should have destroyed his late father's file on the subject of Jack the Ripper. The explanation of his so doing is actually quite straightforward. My brother in law is a man of honour.
Yours truly,
William Bradfield.
152 Harley Street, W.1.
November 16.
From M. J.E. Barrett
Sir, The report (Diary, November 14) that Dr. T. Eldon Stowell has destroyed his late father's lifetime collection of papers on Jack the Ripper is appalling news.
Dr. Stowell is reported as saying that a brief read of the papers convinced him that they contained nothing of importance, but that, I would have thought, was surely a matter for criminologists, especially so since he readily admits that "the case doesn't interest me particularly. It was before my time."
Taken one step further, this statement could be used to justify the destruction of most, if not all, of the contents of every museum, art gallery, library and record office in the country.
Yours faithfully,
John E. Barrett.
11 Union Road,
New Southgate, N.11.
November 16.
