A Fine State of Affairs

In Art Seidenbaum’s review (Book Review, April 21) of William Ury’s “Beyond the Hotline,” he writes:

“Kosygin in 1967, was the first caller. Then-Secretary of State Robert McNamara had to wake President Johnson whose first response was to wonder what to say.”

McNamara was a “whiz kid,” but he never was secretary of state. McNamara was secretary of defense. Dean Rusk held the state post. Query: Who made the booboo? Seidenbaum (and his editors) or Ury?

MYRON W. CURZON

Los Angeles