Pièce 37 - Letter from E. M. Forster to Elizabeth Trevelyan

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W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Thanks 'dearest Bessie' for her letter; was waiting for Bob's to write, as she said he was going to send one, but perhaps had better write now; though as he has been shopping all morning in Dorking, he doesn't 'feel much on the spot'.

Agrees that he should have 'made the reference to Versailles [in a broadcast or pamphlet?]' and wishes even more that he had 'referred to our mistreatment of refugees: this would have diminished the feeling of smugness, and the feeling that England, unlike Germany, is always right'. But does not think that 'this apology - which I make to you both very gladly' brings them into agreement, as his 'main theme would still be that Hitler, being what he is, would destroy our culture, such as it is, and I don't want this to happen: both for personal reasons and because I think it has value to the world'. Does not at the moment see 'any way of saving it except by shooting down his aeroplanes and sinking his barges and smashing his communications'.

Bessie, when they talked, seemed in one way 'more bellicose' than him, appearing to suggest that after that was done England 'must proceed to liberate the continent'; Forster does not think himself that 'we still have either the power or the moral integrity for such a task'. His 'best hope' is that this struggle will end in 'a mutual exhaustion, out of which some good, at present unimaginable, will spring. All action at present is a choice of evils. Withdrawing into oneself is good, dispassionate recording is as you say also good, but neither of these has any practical influence on the course of affairs'. Has had a 'very nice letter rather on the same lines', which he will enclose if he can find it; thinks the writer is a pacifist.

Florence Barger is here, and 'making us her home, to our great joy'; forgets whether Bessie knows Florence's home has been 'made uninhabitable by a land mine'. Neither she or her maid were hurt; her furniture was 'only very slightly damaged' has been put into storage. Florence is 'in very good form', and looking forward to seeing Bessie. Mrs Mawe is also back with them; his mother is 'a bit fatigued by the fidgety unselfishness of the two sweet ladies', but does a little of that herself, and seems all right.

Was 'grieved at [Nathaniel] Wedd's death'; wrote to Rachel but has not heard from her. Wonders if Bob has had any news. Will write to him about his poem, which he enjoyed.