CHURCHILL & MONTGOMERY: Fantastic Correspondence!

"Montgomery that he had much better mind his own business and leave politicians to mind theirs"

CHURCHILL & MONTGOMERY: CHURCHILL WINSTON S.: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. A remarkable T.L.S., with his initial W, with holograph salutation (some light, minor smudging), one page, 4to, Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, 28th April 1947, to Sir John Anderson ('My dear John'), marked Private in Churchill's hand. Churchill thanks his correspondent for having sent him Montgomery's letter and comments 'I think he would do much better to keep clear of politics, of which he knows little, and do his duty as a faithful adviser to the Government', further remarking 'We do not require to be lectured by him, especially when so much of his recent conduct is unexplained'. Churchill continues to inform Anderson that he has carried the Conservative 1922 Committee to the support 'of the advice which I gave to our Shadow Cabinet' and suggests 'It really might be wise for you to hint to Montgomery that he had much better mind his own business and leave politicians to mind theirs', before concluding 'Reading it again, I think his letter most impudent. Thank you for showing it to me all the same'. Accompanied by the original envelope, also marked Private & Personal, and bearing a maroon wax seal to the verso. One file hole to the upper left corner and two small paperclip rust stains to the upper and lower left corners, not affecting the text or signature.

Together with B. L. Montgomery (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. An interesting A.L.S., Montgomery of Alamein, two pages, 4to, War Office, Whitehall, London, 25th April 1947, to Sir John Anderson ('My dear Anderson'), on the printed stationery of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, marked Private in Montgomery's hand. The letter, being the very one referred to by Churchill, is written by Montgomery in reference to a conversation he had with Anderson on Wednesday evening and the Field Marshal states 'If the National Service Bill gets delayed or hung up, we are completely sunk', explaining 'Regular recruiting has not yet reached the figure we need, nor is it likely to for some time', and further expressing his personal views, 'From my angle, as a soldier, I consider it is vital to get the Bill through the House quickly, and smoothly. I also consider it is necessary to get it through the House without a lot of argument and trouble: which would impair confidence throughout the nation on the matter'. Montgomery continues to reflect 'Times are not too good as you know; we must be certain that our Defence services will stand firm and will not be subject to buffetting by political wrangles' and also adds 'For the good of the show as a whole, we need the Bill on the Statute Book as soon as possible so that we can plan ahead constructively. I do hope that the Conservative Party will lend a hand and will not be too troublesome', before concluding his letter by writing 'I also hope that they will not ask awkward questions about the Chiefs of Staff. Perhaps you could use your influence to help the show'. One file hole to the upper left corner and a very slight paperclip rust stain, not affecting the text or signature.

Two letters of exceptional content and association written by arguably the most important British political and military leaders of World War II. VG, 2 Sir John Anderson (1882-1958) 1st Viscount Waverley. British Politician and Civil Servant. Recognised for his contributions within the Cabinet during World War II, Anderson served as Home Secretary 1939-40, Lord President of the Council 1940-43 and Chancellor of the Exchequer 1943-45.

Auction Notepad