Regarding getting threads closed, I refer to the comments posted by Joe Offer above.

I don't intend to discuss further until I am sure that the thread I intended to start, focussing on research methods, ideology and lack of clear factual information, etc.is considered a legitimate topic for the 'knowledge' section of Mudcat. I don't see why it should not be: comment on linked ideas has been part of a PhD cited on this thread. It is or should be possible to discuss such matters without it being said one is making 'accusations' or being 'combative' and 'aggressive'.

Relating to material on Pardon: I have found a couple of references to magazine articles which I cannot locate. One is by Peter Bellamy (published in Folk Review, August 1974, pp.10-15) and the other by Karl Dallas (published in Folk News, August 1977, pp.14-15). I have searched Jstor in vain.