[LE/2/15]
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
Tuesday, 11th March 1941.

Broxwood Court Hostel,

Leominster. Herefordshire.

Feb. 25th 1941

My dear Monckton,

Naturally we on the National Committee of Authors regret the decision not to appoint official authors. Although some first-class work was done by serving officers in the last war, I do think it is a risk leaving it to chance. For example, it is obvious that a magnificent book could be written - could almost have been written by this time - on Wavell's campaign in Libya, by a really good writer who was on the spot - e.g. by Eric Linklater or R. C. Hutchinson, both of whom are in the army. But if no book is written - I mean, a first-class book - just because a really good writer was not on the spot, then clearly a great chance will have been missed.

I suggest then, if you are agreeable, that authors of distinction already serving or alternatively civilians who have been commissioned by a good publisher, should be given facilities by the various services, and that perhaps sometime in the not too distant future there might be a little meeting between a representative of your department public relations officers from the three services, and a small deputation from our National Committee, to discuss this possibility and also both possible authors and subjects for them. The Govt. would accept no responsibility about publication and payment, but would guarantee the necessary facilities, through the service in question.

Will you please ask your secretary to send a copy of your reply to this letter to the secretary of the Society of Authors, Kilham Roberts?

Yours sincerely,

(Signed) J.B. Priestley.