Substantial arguments, but spoiled by a remark in rank bad taste, almost casteist in nature.
To insiniuate that Mitrokhin was not credible because he was a 'low grade clerk' is certainly in very bad taste. Is rank a guarantee of honesty? Can we expect that a high ranking public servant or politician will always tell us the truth? Do you expect us to believe that, Mr Raman?
You have done a credible job of showing that Mitrokhin was disgruntled and hence may have cooked up what he passed on as 'evidence'. That the British did not really take action against those he identified as 'moles' is good enough to take Mitrokhin with a pinch of salt.
There was no need to insinuate that his low rank automatically lowers his credibility. Aren't the drivers of dignitaries privy to a lot of sensitive info? Or the clerical staff?
This kind of remark is uncalled for and shows a bias.
