James Murdoch: 'I could have asked more questions'_美文

James Murdoch: 'I could have asked more questions'

In his letter, Murdoch mounted his most detailed defense yet, accusing his former lieutenants of working behind his back, acting without his authorization, and giving inconsistent testimony to parliament.

In contrast, he said: "My evidence has always been consistent."

It's not certain whether lawmakers will accept that last claim. Murdoch initially denied knowing anything about a critical piece of evidence that suggested, as far back as 2008, that illegal behavior went much further than was being publicly acknowledged.

Contradicted by former members of staff, Murdoch later changed his story, saying that while he was told about the damning evidence, its importance wasn't explained to him.

News International's attempts to conceal the scope of the scandal fell apart after the Guardian and The New York Times revealed that phone hacking was endemic at the News of the World, an expose that has led to the paper's closure and the arrests of dozens of journalists and other officials.

The British newspaper arm of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has made cash settlements to 58 victims, including celebrities, politicians and the families of crime victims.

James Murdoch himself has resigned from News International, although he retains a senior position at News Corp and said in his letter that those who saw his resignation as a tacit admission of guilt were wrong.