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Dear Mr Hayley,
We have found in Dr Wallerstein's paper 'Perspectives on Psychoanalytic Training Around the World' (Int. Journal, Vol. 59, part IV) the persistence of some incorrect statements about the selection criteria of the Barcelona Institute for admission of candidates to psychoanalytic training. Thus, for instance, Dr Wallerstein says that 'The Barcelona group seem willing to take otherwise gifted or potentially creative students who touch on the borderline, the psychotic, the psychopathic or the perverse …' or 'selects sicker candidates relying on their creative potentiality', which is diametrically opposite to our selection principles and practice.
After having read the pre-report for the Jerusalem Training Congress, we immediately drew Dr Wallerstein's attention to these errors in a letter addressed to him in June 16th, 1977, requesting their rectification. Copies of this letter were sent to Dr Orgel, Secretary of the Pre-Congress Organizing Committee, to Dr Lebovici, President of the IPA, and to Presidents and Secretaries of all Component Societies of the IPA. Moreover, our delegate in the Jerusalem Training Congress group personally discussed this question in the presence of Dr Wallerstein, requesting once again the necessary rectifications.
Yet, despite all our efforts, the same erroneous statements appear unmodified in the report published in the International Journal of Psychoanalysis two years later. Therefore, in the firm belief that a report as fundamental as Dr Wallerstein's should not propogate erroneous information—bearing in mind not only the research aim of the report in itself but the right of each and every Society to have its true position correctly reflected—we trust you will be so kind as to have this letter published as soon as possible in the International Journal of Psychoanalysis.
Yours sincerely,