Item 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.

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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

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† Sic.

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