National Council for Civil Liberties, 22 Bride Lane, London E.C. - Apologises for the delay: has been away on holiday and on her return had to catch up on work and the August number of "War and Peace". Encloses a 'beautiful list with some extra names'; some are 'doubtful' since she understands Trevelyan is 'only sending a circular'. Also encloses the most recent list of the Council, as Trevelyan has a 'very old' one. Sends payment for Trevelyan's book [the "Pterodamozels"], since she read in in manuscript and would like a copy; would 'value' his name on the front page. Mr [Bernard] Langdon-Davies has asked to acknowledge Trevelyan's cheque towards the expenses of the Charter [for Freedom? See also 19/58], for which he is very grateful. Adds in a postscript that Langdon-Davies has also received his copy of the "Pterodamozels". [No enclosures now present].
‘The Attic’, 43 Bernard Street, Russell Square, W.C.—His plays have been seized by the Government. He hopes some protest can be made if they are destroyed.
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‘The Attic’, 43 Bernard Street, Russell Square, W.C.
Oct: 27/16.
Dear Mrs Pethwick Lawrence
Thank you so very much indeed for your letter about the plays. It is good to know that people like you think that they might be of some use.
But alas—yesterday the War Office or Home Office (I do not know yet by whose authority) descended upon Hendersons the publishers and seized every copy. They have forbidden its distribution or sale. And there for the present the matter stands! Needless to day I am not particularly concerned for myself whether they prosecute for the sin of having written them—but I do hope, if they destroy them, that some protest can be made. Here we are at a most critical period in history—at the very cross-roads—& we have to face all the extraordinary difficulties & dangers of the years of crisis without freedom of speech or expression one to another. Some friends in the Commons are making enquiries for me—& the Council for Civil Liberties have been told.
I shall look forward to meeting you soon. I will write if I may in a few days to fix an afternoon when I know what the next move in this suppression is to be. Again—thanks for your letter
Yours sincerely,
Miles Malleson