If George Orwell had written a comedy scene based on these dialogues, his publishers would have sent the book back to him with a snigger: "That's a bit far-fetched, George, isn't it?" -- David Irving

London, Thursday, April 4, 2002

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Judge rules that 'when in Rome' is not racist

By DAVID MILLWARD

THE adage "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" is not racist, even when said to members of ethic minority communities living in Britain, a court ruled yesterday.

When the advice was given to the owners and customers of Arab cafes in Edgware Road central London, during a meeting to promote racial harmony, it led to the prosecution of a retired City executive.

Kenneth Stern, 73, found himself as one of three people accused of using "racially aggravated words likely to cause harassment, alarm, anxiety or distress".

David Irving comments: SO MUCH for life in Roman Britain. There are still Englishmen like me who regret the passing of the days when miscreants and malcontents, not to mention the odd sheep-stealer, could be hanged on the gallows at Tyburn Hill (now Marble Arch, the very spot where Edgware Road begins).    Times alas have changed. But the next time we hear that London's Metropolitan Police force is understaffed, we shall recall episodes like these: the true product of politically-correct, burgundy-necktied New Labour under Tony Blair.    If George Orwell had written a comedy scene based on these dialogues, his publishers would have sent the book back to him with a snigger: "That's a bit far-fetched, George, isn't it?" Postscript: I am glad to inform readers of the Radical's Diary in my printed Action Report that the winebar Cork's, whose Black clientele terrorised this corner of Mayfair every night for the last four years, has lost its "four a.m." drinking licence, and life here is returning to normal: it seems like that there have been no murders or rapes or muggings around here for ages.

But ruling that Mr Stern, 73, a former chairman of the Hyde Park Residents' Association, had no case to answer, a district judge made clear that his advice, albeit during a heated gathering, was sound.

"It is a principle I can see nothing wrong with. It is absolutely the right way for people to behave," Rosamond Keating said at Horseferry magistrates' court yesterday. "We should respect each other's cultures, that is exactly what is expected in a society.

"I want to emphasise the value of a democratic society which allows us to exercise freedom of speech and express differences of opinion. This should not be eroded by misinterpretation or wrongful attributions of racism."

During the two-day hearing Mrs. Keating had heard how a meeting to improve relations between the various residents and businesses in the area had become fractious.

The bone of contention was the demand by a number of Arab cafe owners for extended licences, allowing them to stay open until four or five in the morning -- albeit without selling alcohol.

As tempers frayed, Mr Stem told the meeting: "You can't buy whisky in Riyadh or Amman at one o'clock in the morning, so why should you be able to buy it in the Edgware Road?

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Peter Zinner, prosecuting, said this was inappropriate given that tensions had been rising at the meeting last May, and caused offence.

Another resident, Peter Russell, 72, a retired theatre manager and former chairman of the North Westminster Police Consultative Group, was alleged to have told Arabs at the meeting they could "buy a one-way ticket" if they did not like life in England.

Mrs. Keating ruled that he too had no case to answer after hearing evidence that the comment had, in fact, been made by someone else at the meeting.

Giving evidence for the prosecution, Det Insp Glen Gavin said the two men's dispute with the Arabs in the area was not one of nationality but culture.

But a third defendant, Marlene Hayter, was convicted of the offence after the judge ruled that she had told Arabs they should "f*** off from Edgware Road", which they had destroyed by their presence.

Hayter, 58, of Star Street, Paddington, a member of the Green Party, had denied the allegations. She was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 costs.

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The Daily Telegraph leader column: "Liberty to Think Ill"

Auberon Waugh asks: "I cannot help asking myself what sort of truth requires these sanctions" after Germany fines David Irving $20,000 [not £340].