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Mrs Lawrence has cabled the results of the suffrage referenda in the United States (see 8/14), which contradict the reports in the English papers. Gives details of Mrs Lawrence’s itinerary.

Pethick-Lawrence has written to Mabane (see 3/159), asking him to give sympathetic consideration to Elizabeth Robins’s desire to return to Britain.

Pethick-Lawrence greatly enjoyed the function (the unveiling of a plaque to Elizabeth Robins). Encloses a report of it from the Manchester Guardian.

‘Please do not trouble about my book if it is bad for your eyesight to read.’

Confirms her acceptance of an invitation (3/139).

Is pleased to hear of her arrival at Braunwald (see 3/141).

Mrs Pethick-Lawrence advises that, if the Home Office give permission for Marie Jenny-Streiff to visit Elizabeth Robins in England, it will still be necessary for her to obtain a British exit visa (see 3/142).

Sends her a copy of the reply received by Pethick-Lawrence from the Foreign Office about Elizabeth Robins’s visa (3/161).

Apologises for any confusion that may have been caused by her letter (see 3/296).

Is still investigating her inquiry as to whether Gladstone made a certain remark about agricultural labourers.

Supports the suggestion that, if Elizabeth Robins were given permission to come to England, she might speak and broadcast on Anglo-American understanding.

Writes in support of Elizabeth Robins’s application to return to England (see 3/283–4), enclosing relevant correspondence. Suggests that a broadcast by her might be used to promote Anglo-American relations.

Will try to think of a way of helping Elizabeth Robins (see 3/283), but is very busy.

Elizabeth Robins is applying for permission for Marie Jenny-Streiff of Braunwald, Switzerland, to visit her in England in order to help her with a book. Asks him to grant the application.

Asks him to give sympathetic attention to Elizabeth Robins’s application for a British visa.

Discusses travel arrangements (in connection with the unveiling of a plaque to Elizabeth Robins; see 3/289). Will invite Helen when she returns from Montreal.

Discusses travel arrangements (in connection with the unveiling of a plaque to Elizabeth Robins; see 3/291). Helen cannot come, as she is going to California to see her son. ‘She says you knew a friend of hers—Mrs Gretel Kettle (née Pain).’

(One phrase has been added by hand.)

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Transcript

Miss Elizabeth Robins (Mrs. Elizabeth Robins Parks)

1. has lived in England for the last 50 years. Left in August 1940 because of urgent message from her brother, Colonel Raymond Robins, who was dangerously ill. Has tried at intervals to return but advised by her American as well as English friends to wait till transport conditions seemed less dangerous or rather—as she is completely fearless—till war needs allowed her to return. Tho’ American born was so anxious to return that suggested English naturalization if necessary, in 1943. {1}

2. Is a property owner—house and land at Henfield, Sussex. This is and has been for several years past used as a place of rest and recuperation for all classes of workers, and is always greatly in demand. The Committee, of which she is a most important member—are overwhelmed with applications for rest and are most anxious to take steps about extension, but as the house is an old Elizabethan structure it is impracticable to consider this without her presence on the spot as regards advice and guidance as well as sanction.

As regards land, part of the fields is let to a farmer who is not making adequate use of the land from the point of view of food production. War Agricultural Executive Committee official said when approached that it was her job as landlord to get on to the tenant’s track.

3. Has nearly finished the 2nd volume of her memoirs but needs access to papers and records to finish it. These are of course here.

4. As she is now over 80, her time is not so long for the settling and disposal of her affairs, and she is most anxious to return to see about certain schemes she is anxious to put in motion as regards furthering and in a modest way helping good Anglo American relationship and its necessity as regards the future Peace of the World.

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{1} ‘Tho’ American … in 1943’ added by hand.

24 Montpelier Crescent, Brighton 1.—Has not yet received a copy of the book. ‘I hope I shall get it soon as I am a slow reader and eyes not as serviceable as hitherto.’

Hotel Alpenblich, Braunwald, Switzerland.—Has been received kindly by Marie Jenny-Streiff, who has praised Mrs Pethick-Lawrence’s book (My Part in a Changing World).

Valour House, Southwest Harbor, Maine.—Refers to her hurried departure from England and her delay at Lisbon. Asks how she might best assist the cause of persuading America to join the war.

24 Montpelier Crescent, Brighton.—Invites her and Mr Lawrence to lunch.

24 Montpelier Crescent, Brighton 1.—Thanks her for her helpful letter. She will know the date of her arrival at Braunwald within the next twenty-four hours. Is looking forward to her first flight.

6 Palace Gate, Kensington, W.8.—Is sorry to have missed the opportunity of dining with them. She was away from home when the invitation was delivered.

24 Montpelier Crescent, Brighton 1.—Discusses Marie Jenny-Streiff’s unsuccessful attempts to obtain a visa to visit England.

24 Montpelier Crescent, Brighton 1.—Discusses the measures taken to obtain a visa for Marie Jenny-Streiff.