BRACERS Record Detail for 132920

To access the original letter, email the Russell Archives.

Collection code
RA3
Recent acquisition no.
1860
Source if not BR
Internet print from K. Blackwell
Recipient(s)
Thompson, H. Keith
Sender(s)
BR
Date
1959/11/09
Full date (Estimate)
1959/11/09
Form of letter
TLS
Pieces
1
BR's address code (if sender)
PP
Notes and topics

Re: world government. The image was found at https://www.barnebys.com/realized-prices/lot/russell-bertrand-lord-letter-signed-QgRL-KfeB1.

There is a typed carbon at 30274 and dictation of the letter at record 125442.

Transcription

BR TO H. KEITH THOMPSON, 9 NOV. 1959
BRACERS 132920. TLS. McMaster
Proofread by K. Blackwell


from: The Earl Russell, O.M., F.R.S.,
<letterhead>
Plas Penrhyn,
Penrhyndeudraeth,
Merioneth.1
9 November, 1959.

Dear Mr. Thompson,

Thank you for your letter of October 26. International government undoubtedly involves risks, but they seem immeasurably less than the risks involved in continuing the present anarchy. A police force involves risks, but its absence would bring chaos. The Fathers of the American Constitution had to face the possibility that the large States would combine against some small States — say, Rhode Island — and oppress it. This risk was exactly as great as the risk that you foresee from a World Government.

Yours truly,
<signed> Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell

  • 1

    [document] Proofread against a typed carbon copy of the original letter.

Permission
Everyone
Image
Transcription Public Access
Yes
Record no.
132920
Record created
Jan 28, 2023
Record last modified
Jun 04, 2026
Created/last modified by
duncana