A group of retired World Service journalists have written to the Times to criticise BBC correspondent Jacky Rowland's decision to give evidence to the Milosevic War Crimes trial - and the BBC's endorsement of that decision.

This is the text of their letter:

"The BBC’s recent endorsement of its correspondent, Ms Jacky Rowland, appearing as a witness at the Milosevic war crimes tribunal suggests that its present executive has little understanding of fundamental journalistic ethics and practices. Without them, the BBC’s independence is compromised and its word tainted.

"A BBC spokeswoman described Ms Rowland’s testimony as an eyewitness account that did not compromise sources. “We give what help we can,” the spokeswoman added – this at a time when other international news organisations are fighting to keep their staff out of the witness box.

"Since when, and why, did the BBC acquiesce to its staff becoming court informants, even if their evidence is limited to eyewitness material? And what, we ask, is its attitude going to be to two other correspondents who have also reportedly agreed to appear before the tribunal?

"Imperatively, all journalists must remain above and beyond the action at all times and in all ways. To be seen colluding with authority – any authority -- risks credibility, damages hard-won reputations, and may even put correspondents’ lives in danger. Rowland and her colleagues, by reporting the facts, have already done their job as “witnesses.” Testifying makes them participants."

Signatories include:
Peter Shaw, John Bamber, Mike Brown, Gwyn Jones,  Ian Richardson,  Tim Llewellyn.

To give your own views, click on "Reply" below.

Alan, it sounds as though you should be adding your name to the version that is being sent to the governors. But you only have until this evening to do it by emailing Peter Shaw at Jepet@jacherm.fsnet.co.uk

I'd have emailed you direct with this reply, but your address is not listed.

Cheers, Ian Richardson