Description:

A pair of terrific letters by WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (1874-1965) and BERNARD LAW MONTGOMERY (1887-1976) in which Monty comments to a Member of Parliament on a British National Recruiting Bill and Churchill angrily attacks the field marshal in response. Both letters are written to SIR JOHN ANDERSON, 1st Viscount Waverley (1882–1958), British civil servant and politician who is best known for his service in Churchill's cabinet during the World War II, and was named by Churchill to replace him in the event of Churchill's death. Anderson also served as Home Secretary, Lord President of the Council and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Included is an A.L.S. by Montgomery to Anderson as Chief of the Imperial General Staff on official letterhead marked "Private", 2pp. 8vo., London, Apr. 25, 1947. Montgomery writes, in part: "...If the National Service Bill gets delayed or hung up, we are completely sunk. Regular recruiting has not yet reached the figure we need...From my angle, as a soldier, I consider it is vital to get the Bill through the house quickly...without a lot of argument and trouble: which would impair confidence throughout the nation on the matter. 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 buffeting by political wrangles...I do hope the Conservative Party will lend a hand and will not be too troublesome. 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, else very good. Anderson apparently forwarded this letter to Churchill, who angrily replied in his own letter back to Anderson marked "Private" and signed "W", 1p. 8vo., Chartwell, Apr. 28, 1947. Between his two terms as Prime Minister, the Leader of the Conservatives responds: "...Thank you for sending me Montgomery's letter. 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 of the Government. We do not require to be lectured by him, especially when so much of his recent conduct is unexplained...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...I think his letter most impudent..." With transmittal envelope bearing Churchill's red wax seal. Subscription and signature brushed slightly (probably due to Churchill's anger!), a single file hole and rust stain at upper-left, else fine. Two pieces. Regardless of Churchill's inclinations, the National Service Bill was passed the following year.

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November 19, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

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