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Blake delays Rushdie book

05.08.08 Catherine Neilan

Independent publisher John Blake has delayed publication of the biography of former Special Branch officer Ron Evans for one week, to allow Salman Rushdie time to read the whole book.

Although originally due out on Monday (4th August), On Her Majesty's Service was put on hold after the publisher received a letter from Rushdie's lawyers "inviting" Blake to withdraw the book.

As a result, the firm has sent a copy to the prize-winning author of The Satanic Verses and Midnight's Children, and given him until Friday to respond.

John Blake, founder and m.d of the firm, said publication would go ahead next Monday (11th August), confident that on reading the full story Rushdie's concerns would be alleviated. "We are hoping when he reads it, and sees that it's fair, he will withdraw his objections," said Blake. "When he reads the whole thing, I'm sure he'll feel it's a great book . . . he'll probably have a chuckle."

Rushdie was unavailable for comment. His solicitor Mark Stephens has read the book, but Rushdie, who is out of the country has not yet seen a full copy. Stephens said he was "hopeful" Rushdie could read it and respond by Friday, but said it was unlikely he would change his stance.

He added: "Contrary to some reports, Salman won’t apply for an injunction to prevent the book being published, but he would sue for damages – if they publish it knowing there are lies and falsehoods in the book, they will be liable for damages that flow from that."

Evans was one of the Special Branch officers assigned to protect Rushdie at the height of the Fatwa. Rushdie, who claims Evans was a driver who has magnified his own role, told the Guardian: "This is not a free speech issue, this is libel - there is a difference between those two things."

Book John Blake Home Salman Rushdie Catherine Neilan Ron Evans

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