MacLeish Refuses To Answer Letter

Archibald MacLeish, Boylston Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory, refused to comment yesterday on an open letter in Tuesday's Boston Herald attacking his views on civil rights. MacLeish charged the writer with confusing his facts, and demanded a personal letter before he would reply.

When called last night, Elliot Earl, the author of the letter to the editor, said he would gladly write MacLeish himself. He also confirmed his written challenge to the professor to debate on civil rights versus security with him for a worthy cause in such a place as Memorial Hall.

Earl specifically directed his attack against MacLeish's views on the University of California teachers loyalty oath. When the state Court of Appeals invalidated the oath's use in that case, MacLeish was elated, Earl charged. Earl feels the oath is necessary for security.