Pièce 143 - Letter from Arthur Rinder to R. C. Trevelyan

1 letter

Farney Close, Peaslake, Guildford. - Thanks Bob for the 'calming poetry' [this year's "From the Shiffolds"?], which is a 'welcome escape from the tormenting questions & difficulties of life today'; expects troubles in 'ancient times' were 'more local', whereas now the 'whole world is perturbed'. Finds the policies of the current government worrying, and fears 'this idea of nationalisation will lead to a state not very different from a dictatorship'; wishes they would 'go more slowly'. Hears reliable reports that the British Zone in Germany is 'very badly administered': this means a 'daily' loss of prestige, and it is very important to 'get Germany on her feet again'; however, the Government largely ignores this and concentrates on nationalisation. 'Poor Pethick-Lawrence is ageing fast under the stress and disappointment'; he 'works far too hard'. He visits them most weekends, and they 'try to divert him' but this is hard. Is glad the "Social History" [George Macaulay Trevelyan's "English Social History"] is 'such a prodigious success', though is 'annoyed... the Government makes quite so much out of the author's brains and hard work'. Sorry that Bob has 'lost E M. Forster' [due to Forster selling his Surrey house], but as they get old 'friends die or circumstances move them away. Only books are left!'.