"Until we have a better relationship between private performance and the public truth, as was demonstrated with Watergate, we as the public are absolutely right to remain suspicious, contemptuous even, of the secrecy and the misinformation which is the digest of our news"

This quote by John Le Carre talks to the significance of reality and openness in the media. He is suggesting that the general public ought to stay suspicious and contemptuous of the secrecy and misinformation that exists as news. This remains in reference to the Watergate scandal, which showed the requirement for a better relationship between private performance and public reality. Le Carre is highlighting the importance of reality and transparency in the media, and how the public needs to watch out for any secrecy or misinformation that is presented as news. He is suggesting that the general public must stay alert and not take the news at stated value, but rather concern and examine the fact behind it. This quote speaks to the significance of reality and transparency in the media, and how the general public should remain suspicious and contemptuous of any secrecy or false information that is presented as news.