Pièce 184 - Letter from Sir George Sansom to F. W. Pethick-Lawrence

1 folded sheet

British Embassy, Tokyo.—Has heard news of him from Mrs Geoffrey Young (his sister-in-law). Asks for news of Mary Higgins (formerly of the West London Mission), and discusses the crisis in Japan, which appears to be leading to war.

—————

Transcript

British Embassy, Tokyo
July 30, 1937

My dear Lawrence,

I have been hearing about you lately from my wifes† sister (Mrs. Geoffrey Young) who lives near you: and of course I have often seen your name in print—the latest occasion not political, but as a puzzle expert in the “New Statesman”. Anyhow, I have always very happy memories of your kindnesses during the war, of walks together and of the Capital Levy. But I am a bad correspondent, and an overworked official—which means that I lose touch sadly with my friends—though I don’t forget them!

One friend I have been worrying about lately—Mary Higgins. I got a magazine from her some time ago, from Spain, but no address. And now I wonder how she is faring. Can you give me any news, or put me in touch with her. I hope all goes well.

We are in the middle of a crisis here, which may develop into war of a serious kind. At present the Japanese seem to be crazier than the average of humanity, which is saying a good deal. They are on the verge of the kind of hysteria which I remember as a boy, during the early part of the Boer war. But they are worse off than we were then, because nobody dare utter an anti-war sentiment.

My best remembrances to Mrs Pethick Lawrence, please.

Yours very sincerely
G B Sansom

—————

† Sic.

This description was created by A. C. Green in 2020.