For over 75 years the Conway Hall has been a leading independent centre for free thought, rational debate and peaceful assembly (Chaotic Olympiad of the fringe and commune begins, October 15). Conway Hall was not booked by the European Social Forum, nor had we authorised our premises to be used as the central registration point for the gathering. We are investigating how it came to pass that thousands of people came to Red Lion Square in such circumstances, creating a potentially dangerous situation. It appears senior members of the GLA are implicated.
To the many visitors who were misled, especially those from abroad: we sympathise and thank you for your patience and cooperation. Please do not let the events of one day tarnish the many of us in Britain who are working with you in a more organised way to help build a stable, free, fair, secular and tolerant Europe.
Peter Vlachos
Hall manager, Conway Hall