‘The Diamond Expose’

There were too many mistakes in “Frontline’s” “Diamond Empire” to correct them all. But readers of Robert Koehler’s review should be aware of at least some of the facts (“The Diamond Expose as Big as the Ritz,” Feb. 1). This program was based on biased research and questionable sources, even treating convicted felons as trustworthy authorities.

The program makes the nonsensical suggestion that “diamonds are found wherever one finds carbon.” A moment’s thought would suggest that mining companies of the stature of BHP, RTZ and De Beers would hardly be spending substantial sums of money prospecting for diamonds if it were true that they are plentiful and easy to find.

The program also suggested that supplies are kept short. In fact, diamond production has grown significantly in the 1980s, with two major new mines being brought on stream by De Beers in Botswana and South Africa, and the Argyle mine coming into production in Australia. Demand for diamonds has grown in tandem. The De Beers’ Central Selling Organisation announced record sales in 1993.

W. J. LEAR, Director, Corporate Communications, De Beers/Centenary, London, England