Hayek had rigorously adhered to a view that it should avoid any public engagement in order to protect its identity as a philosophical enterprise. He believed that any turn toward propaganda or the proactive dissemination of its members' views would challenge its identity as a venue for serious inquiry and foundational debates. The emergence of a society publication was therefore a very serious matter, and Hayek attempted to delay the publication of the Quarterly's fi rst issue because of explicit concerns about its scope. He wrote that his “personal view is still that the Society as such should not express opinions,” adding that he was deeply hesitant to “attempt anything more ambitious” than a newsletter designed “to inform members about publications by other members of the Society, about changes in membership and to communicate to all members papers presented at the meeting.” Hunold expressed disappointment and termed Hayek's policy “a nuisance.” “If we go on like this,” he proclaimed, “we shall soon be hanged by the communists.”

Angus Burgin, The Great Persuasion, loc. 333