BR comments on "the atrocities and the widespread torture of political prisoners which occurred under the Ba'ath in Iraq." BR notes that "war is the destroyer of human well being. The freedom to speak out against autocratic or unwise policy is the first condition for a constructive national life." The message is typed on Plas Penrhyn letterhead.

Also present are two copies of the message:

Document .179398, a one-page edited TS(CAR).
Document .179396, a one-page edited TS. Schoenman has handwritten an additional paragraph at the foot of the page, and the copy is signed "Bertrand Russell" and dated 29/12/63.