BRACERS Notes

Record no. Notes, topics or text
67301

Schoenman mentions that the BRPF will "be pleased to raise the question of Dr. Szluha and his family."

67302

Wellisch, writing from Montreal, Canada, requests BR's advice on how to "... stay in Canada with my husband, and periodically visit my mother [in Hungary]."

67303

Schoenman asks Wellisch to "... tell us the present situation of your mother and whether or not you have decided to return to Hungary"; see record 67302.

67304

Wellisch informs Schoenman that his wife has returned to Hungary, and asks BR to appeal to the Hungarian authorities to allow his wife to return to Canada.

67305

Strowski appeals for BR's help in obtaining a passport for his wife from the Hungarian authorities. Strowski's wife, Istvanne Strowski, has been denied a passport by Hungarian authorities.

67306

Farley tells Strowski that BR has written to the Hungarian authorities concerning Strowski's wife, but that he "... cannot hold out any assurance of success in this matter"; see record 67305.

67307

Enthoven asks for BR's help in appealing for clemency for Tibor Pakh. Enclosed is a leaflet, document .179015, PD(X), titled Fifteen Years Imprisonment for a Memorandum to the United Nations!

67308

Wood tells Enthoven that BR "... will be happy to take up the case of Dr. Pakh with the Hungarian authorities"; see record 67307.

67309

Enthoven asks Wood to thank BR for taking up the case of Dr. Pakh, and mentions that "we appreciate that no publicity should be given to this."

67310

Farley informs Strowski that the BRPF has received a reply from the Hungarian authorities in which they dispute Strowski's claims concerning his background and his wife's wish to leave Hungary; see record 67305. Farley asks Strowski for "his comments" on the allegations of the Hungarian authorities.

67311

Benediktsson is Prime Minister of Iceland.

Schoenman asks for Benediktsson's opinion on two enclosed articles. The articles concern the true nature of Western aggression in the Congo, and the true nature of the war of atrocity in Vietnam.

67312

Radhakrishnan is President of India.

BR asks Radhakrishnan to become "... a patron of the Indian branch of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation."

67313

Husain is Vice-President of India.

BR asks Husain to become "... a patron of the Indian branch of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation, which it is our hope to open shortly in New Delhi."

67314

Iyengar is Section Officer, Vice-President's Secretariat. Iyengar acknowledges the receipt of BR's letter (see record 67313), and mentions that it will be "placed before" the Vice-President upon his return.

67315

Radhakrishnan informs BR that he will "be glad to be one of the sponsors of the 'Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation'." Radhakrishnan asks BR if it is possible to meet with him on 20 September 1964, when Radhakrishnan will be in London.

67316

Husain is Vice-President of India.

Husain tells BR that he will be "... happy to be a patron of the Indian branch of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation, which is expected to open shortly in New Delhi."

67317

Radhakrishnan is President of India.

Radhakrishnan thanks BR for sending him a copy of his Autobiography, vol. 1, and mentions that "it is delightful reading and very characteristic of you; the uninhibited way in which you have written about yourself makes it a remarkable work."

67318

Radhakrishnan asks BR to contribute "an article of any length" for the upcoming volume on Gandhi and world peace.

67319

BR regrets that he is "... unable to meet your request for a contribution to your volume on Gandhi." BR also mentions that he does "not share many of Gandhi's views" and thinks "it would be quite inappropriate for me to air these differences in a centenary volume."

67320

Nehru is Prime Minister of India.

Nehru, in regards to the BRPF, tells BR he is "agreeable to becoming a sponsor of the Foundation."

67321

BR is encouraged by Nehru's sponsorship of the BRPF. BR refers to the Sino-Indian conflict and asks if "... there is any useful way that I can contribute towards your efforts to resolve this conflict."

The line "I also feel personal thanks for your decision" has been added in pencil in Schoenman's hand.

67322

Apparently this letter was not sent.

BR, commenting on the Sino-Indian crisis, writes that "... the offer of Chou En-lai for a cease-fire, even at terms which entail sacrifice, should be accepted if only to enable talks to begin and fighting to cease."

Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179053, TL(CAR).

67323

Nehru thanks BR for his telegram of 8 November 1962, and says that although India has no "desire to continue military conflict", India will not "compromise with aggression". Nehru calls for the restoration of "the status quo ante 8th September 1962".

67324

BR feels there is a danger of an "invasion-scale war" unless a cease-fire is implemented. BR calls on India "... to apply the lesson she has taught, of the need for compromise to avoid conflict, to herself."

Also present is a copy of the summary, document .179056, TS(MIM).

67325

BR sincerely hopes that Nehru will respond to the Chinese decision to implement a cease-fire.

67326

"Confidential".

Nehru outlines the Indian position concerning the Sino-Indian conflict and mentions that there will be a greater danger to the planet "... if we surrender to the Chinese and they feel that the policy they have pursued brings them rich dividends."

Also present are two copies of the letter:

Document .179058, a two-page TL. "Not for publication" appears at the top of the page in Edith Russell's hand.
Document .178059, a two-page TL(CAR). "Not for publication" appears at the top of the page in Edith's hand.

67327

"Private and confidential".

BR thanks Nehru for his "very foreboding letter of December 4"; see record 67326. BR states that his interest in the Sino-Indian dispute "... is in the re-establishment and preservation of peace, and this seems to me far more important that any of the territorial claims of either side."

67328

Menon is Director, Ministry of External Affairs.

Menon, acting on Nehru's request, sends BR enclosed literature (not present) concerning the Sino-Indian border.

67329

Nehru, referring to BR's statement in Peace News, mentions that he was "surprised and distressed" that BR would claim that the Chinese have a strong case and may not have been the first aggressors in the dispute. Nehru also provides BR with a brief history of Chinese territorial claims.

67330

"Private and confidential".

BR mentions that he finds it "extremely painful" to be in "any degree of disagreement" with Nehru. BR also mentions that he is alarmed by Nehru's "public mention of a 'long war'."

67331

BR is grateful that his representatives will be provided the opportunity to discuss the Sino-Indian crisis with Nehru. BR feels that India should begin the peace talks with China "despite the absence of civilian posts in the [disputed] area." BR mentions that he will be having a "private discussion" with Indian President Radhakrishnan. BR's representatives are Pat Pottle and Ralph Schoenman.

67332

The letter is a draft or copy by Schoenman, "22-6-63 Sat Eve".

Schoenman writes on behalf of himself and Pat Pottle. Schoenman thanks Nehru for his time and mentions that should Nehru require a meeting with them during his stay in Pahalgam, "we are close by and are at your disposal."

The letter is written on the verso of the letterhead of the Kashmir Khalsa Hotel, Pahalgam. On the verso Schoenman has drawn a rough map of the India-Tibet border area.

67333

The letter is a draft or copy by Schoenman, "24-6-63 Mon. Eve".

Schoenman writes on behalf of himself and Pat Pottle. Schoenman thanks Nehru for his time and hopes "... that the mission to Colombo and Peking will bear fruit." Schoenman mentions to Nehru that "we shall endeavour to keep you closely informed." He refers to BR's feeling for Nehru.

67334

"Confidential". At the top of the page is "Unsent".

Schoenman writes on behalf of himself and Pat Pottle on their mission to South-East Asia. Schoenman outlines their discussions with Chinese Premier Chou En-lai and Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Colombo concerning the Sino-Indian crisis.

Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179069, TL(CAR). The revised sent copy of the letter appears at record 67335.

67335

This is a revised copy of the letter found at record 67334. The letter is shortened by three pages and Schoenman writes in the first person. "Sent" appears at the top of the page, although this is the signed ribbon copy.

Also present are three copies of the letter:

Document .179071, a four-page TLS. The letter has been typed on 22 Argyll Mansions letterhead and "Unsent Sino-Indian file" appears in the top left-hand corner.
Document .179072, a four-page TL(CAR).
Document .179073, a four-page TL(CAR).

67336

Molony includes in her letter the Radio Times billing for what was to be BR's discussion of the hydrogen bomb. Instead Molony writes, the Home Service controller has grouped BR's talk with talks from Sally Graves, a journalist and author, and Roger Bannister, an athlete and doctor. The three would be included as a series, "Three Generations". The idea is "to give the view of three generations on the present world situation." Molony asks BR for a script of his talk. The billing gets BR's age wrong.

67337

BR asserts that he did not "mean to suggest as a general principle" that he wanted all of his work for the Overseas Service to also be broadcast on the Home Service. He feels that the press "(not the BBC)" has treated Mrs. Knight unfairly, and understands that the BBC does not wish to "burn their fingers again by giving an opportunity to those who are not victims of superstition." BR would be willing to engage in a talk with Lord Hailsham on "religion and the young", though as to Gregson's suggestion for more discussions with Lord Samuel, BR is unavailable, "as I am very much occupied with international affairs."

67338

Wilshin, a producer for "London Calling Asia", confirms BR's participation in another "Asian Club" programme in March, where about 30 Asians will put questions to distinguished speakers. Wilshin proposes that BR title his talk "Knowledge and Understanding".

67339

BR confirms his participation in Wilshin's "Asian Club" programme in March. BR agrees to the title "Knowledge and Understanding".

67340

The recording of BR and Lord Hailsham's discussion on "Religion and the Training of the Young" will have to be postponed as Lord Hailsham has been invited to dine with the Queen Mother and cannot refuse. Gregson is concerned that the postponement will interfere with another talk he is considering for BR, on "world strategy today in the light of the hydrogen bomb with particular reference to Asia", the other speakers being Sir John Slessor or Sir Phillip Joubert, Sir Llewellyn Woodward, Donald McLachlan, and perhaps Krishna Menon. The topic is of particular timeliness due to the forthcoming publication of the government white paper on defence.

BR's "Man's Peril" talk was given on the Home Service and repeated on the General Overseas Service.

67341

Gregson confirms the postponed date of BR's and Lord Hailsham's talk on "Religion and the Training of the Young", and adds that Sir Gerald Barry will be the Chair. Gregson also confirms BR's participation in the group discussion for February 24 on the topic of the H-bomb and world politics.

67342

As "secretary" Edith writes that BR has mislaid the contract that follows Boswell's February 18 letter and asks for a duplicate.

67343

Roger Cary, an Overseas Talks Producer, writes to BR confident in his discretion. As the Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, may retire sooner than expected, Cary asks BR if he could contribute an anecdote about Churchill's childhood. The piece would be very short, a minute and a half, and does not warrant its own recording session and should be appended to another recording session.

A typed notation at the foot of the second page indicates BR declined the invitation by telephone the same afternoon.

BR is due to record for Mr. Wallace on "Wednesday afternoon" for the North American Service.

67344

Boswell includes (not present) a contract for BR's narration of "Zahatopolk" recorded on March 24. The script fee from the copyright department is increased by BR's narration and a fee of 15 guineas is included.

67345

Weltman, a Talks Producer, asks BR to contribute the final talk on the subject of "truth", pertaining to science, politics, media, and history for the series of six fifteen-minute talks organized by James Welch on the idea of changing "Western values". Weltman cites BR's "personal devotion to the truth".

67346

BR writes that he is "refusing all engagements during May as I am in urgent need of some time for rest and thought."

67347

Rowland, an Overseas Talks Producer, notes that as BR was holding June 22 and 30 open for the recording of a "London Forum" with Sir John Slessor, Rowland can now confirm the latter as the recording date. Rowland adds that "New York" still cannot confirm who will partner Rovere on the American side of the discussion.

67348

Rowland encloses (not present) suggested headings for BR's "London Forum" on the H-bomb, set for June 30. Rowland confirms the British team will consist of BR and Sir John Slessor, and the American team, Richard Rovere and Raymond Swing, while William Clark will chair from London.

67349

Latey, a European Talks Producer, wishes BR to broadcast for Europe on the dangers of atomic warfare. Latey stresses the need for education for "both sides of the Iron Curtain" and calls upon BR's authority on this subject, citing his recent work for the Domestic Service. The 11 minute talk would be translated into several languages and broadcast before the Geneva Conference of July 18.

67350

Molony asks BR for permission to repeat the "Then and Now" series recorded for the Overseas Service on the Home Service. She encloses (not present) Radio Times billings for BR's approval, and adds that she hopes he has "been able to get away for an agreeable interlude this summer."

67351

Lyons, a "London Calling Asia" producer, asks BR to contribute to a programme called "International Press Conference" where journalists of different nationalities would ask BR questions about his July 9 press conference giving a statement by BR and other eminent scientists calling for governments to renounce war. Also up for discussion is the organization of an International Scientists' Congress. Lyons wishes BR to write a three minute statement to recapitulate the remarks of the July 9 press conference so she can distribute it to relevant journalists.

Mrs. Lyons is now a resident of Hamilton, Ontario, and a donor to McMaster University.

67352

BR encloses (not present) his script of introductory remarks for the International Press Conference on August 9.

67353

Schoenman mentions that he was recently "informed by Mr. Kewel Singh, the Deputy High Commissioner in London, of your message." Schoenman also mentions his regret that the Chinese released their memorandum and, in doing so, violated the "privacy of our talks in Kashmir".

67354

BR tells Nehru that the formal announcement of the formation of the BRPF will take place "... at a press conference at my home in North Wales, Sunday, September 29." BR thanks Nehru for his "essential support" of the BRPF.

Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179076, TL(CAR).

67355

Schoenman mentions that he is "most sorry" to learn of Nehru's illness and offers his best wishes for a "return to full and active work."

Also present is a copy of the letter, unnumbered, TL(CAR).

67356

Nehru tells BR that he is unable to assume the role of Honorary President of the BRPF account in India; however, Nehru mentions that BR is free to "... open an account in India and have the money contributed to it spent in India."

67357

Gupta is an additional private secretary to Nehru.

Gupta thanks Schoenman for his "get well" letter to Nehru and mentions that Nehru "... is progressing satisfactorily and hopes to resume his normal duties soon."

67358

BR "quite understands" why Nehru cannot accept the Honorary Presidency of the BRPF account in India and hopes Nehru will "fully recover" from his recent illness.

67359

BR outlines the work and accomplishments of the BRPF during the first six months of its existence. BR asks for Nehru's "view on the work accomplished and what we have planned."

67360

BR asks Nehru for clarification about a statement that appeared in the New York Times on 7 April 1964: "... that the Indian defence preparations not only were aimed at meeting any future Chinese threats, but also sought to 'regain territory lost to China'."

67361

Lyons encloses (not present) likely questions from the interviewers attending the "London Calling Asia" press conference. Noted interviewers are: Bruce Miller, Stephen Black, and Maurice Cranston.

67362

The letter thanks BR for his contribution to the "London Calling Asia" press conference.

67363

Molony asks if BR would select and introduce some of his favourite prose and poetry for a broadcast on the Home Service during the Christmas season.

67364

BR writes that Molony's proposal of having him read poetry for a Christmas broadcast is "not attractive" to him, adding "whenever I have heard the BBC trying to read poetry, it has read it as if it was the first lesson in Church."

67365

BR writes that the reply sheet from Boswell's letter of November 1 has been mislaid and asks for another.

67366

Grimble, a Talks Producer, asks BR to contribute to a programme for George Trevelyan's 80th birthday. Dr. Plumb will speak for 10 minutes on Trevelyan's contribution to the study of history, and Miss Wedgwood will follow with ten minutes on history as a subject for literature. Grimble hopes that BR can contribute the last ten minutes of the programme with his recollections of BR and Trevelyan's time together at Cambridge.

67367

BR will contribute to a programme for Dr. Trevelyan's 80th birthday with recollections of their youth spent at Cambridge together.

67368

Grimble will send scripts of the other speakers' work to BR, as he will be speaking last in the programme.

67369

Rowland asks BR to contribute a talk on the prospects for 1956 on New Year's Day of that year for the General Overseas Service.

67370

Grimble writes that Wedgewood has recorded her contribution to Trevelyan's birthday symposium, and includes (not present) her script. An additional five minutes have been made available for BR's talk. Grimble asks if BR would like to record it in his home, or at the BBC.

67371

BR feels that his content will be stretched as it is at ten minutes. BR would like to wait until after January 30 to send his script, and record it at the BBC.

67372

Grimble writes that having BR's script beforehand is not a priority, and hopes that BR will set aside a particular time after January 30 to record, as channels become spare at that time.

67373

BR makes himself available to record his talk on George Trevelyan at any time after February 2, and submits that his talk will be about 700 words in length.

67374

Grimble asks BR to lengthen his script by 500 words, and proposes a recording date of February 3.

67375

As BR will be returning to Richmond on February 1, and must lengthen his script, he asks if the recording date of February could be deferred further.

67376

Grimble suggests a recording time on February 7.

67377

The recording date of February 7 suits BR.

67378

Grimble encloses (not present) the script from Dr. Plumb's talk on George Trevelyan.

67379

Grimble thanks BR for his work of January 7 and encloses a book from which he hopes BR can find a subject for discussion. The identity of the book is unknown. Grimble was especially grateful to BR for staying to talk with him after the recording session.

67380

Fuller asks BR to contribute to a series of talks for the General Overseas Service on the national character of Great Britain. A handwritten note at the top of the first page reads "No".

67381

BR feels that he does not "think that I have anything to say on the subject" of the national character of Great Britain. BR agrees to a lunch with the heads of the Overseas Talks Dept. But see record 67385.

67382

It is a "great disappointment" to Fuller that BR feels he has nothing to add to a series discussing the national character of Great Britain. Fuller suggests a more specialized theme of a unique "British thought" stemming from the ideas of Hobbes, Locke or Bentham.

67383

Cary is looking for contributions to a series of talks on Asquith and Arthur Balfour. Cary adds that he hopes that "you are well, and that the pipes of your house survived these recent quite terrible frosts."

67384

BR declines to contribute to a series of talks on Asquith and Arthur Balfour as he disliked both men. BR adds that he is interested that Cary has married the daughter of Hugh Blair Brenan and asks Cary to "remember me to your father-in-law, who at one time did me an important service."

67385

BR is "sorry" to again refuse Fuller's suggestions. BR includes that he has done the sort of thing Fuller has asked of him (to describe the national character of Great Britain) in the chapter on "Locke's Influence" in his History of Western Philosophy and cannot conceive of anything "fresh" to say. It would involve a "good deal of thought", which he hasn't the time for, as he plans to spend the next 6 months on a work of philosophy.

67386

Gandhi is Minister of Information, India.

BR mentions that he was glad to see Gandhi this afternoon and "found our talk both hopeful and enjoyable". BR asks Gandhi if it would "... be possible for you to come to my house in London before your departure for New Delhi?"

On the verso is a shortened version of the letter; see record 67387. Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179084, TL(CAR). On the verso of the copy is a shortened version; see record 67387. Although there is no ribbon copy, the letter is typed as if it was a copy of a handwritten letter.

67387

This is a shortened version of the letter found at record 67366. Also present is a copy of the letter; document .179084a, TL(CAR).

67388

Shastri is Prime Minister of India.

BR congratulates Shastri on becoming Prime Minister and calls Nehru's death "a shock and a great loss". BR hopes he can meet with Shastri at the upcoming Commonwealth Conference in London.

67389

Mehta is Indian High Commissioner.

Mehta conveys a message to BR from Prime Minister Shastri concerning a meeting with BR; see record 67390.

67390

Shastri informs BR that the Indian High Commissioner, Jivraj N. Mehta, will arrange a suitable date for a meeting between BR and himself during Shastri's stay in London. This letter appears in the body of the document found at record 67389.

67391

BR is "... pleased to learn of your [Shastri's] return to active political life and hope you are fully recovered from your recent illness." BR asks Shastri to become a sponsor of the BRPF.

Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179088, TL(CA).

67392

Shastri tells BR that although he is in "full agreement" with the objectives of the BRPF, he feels that he is "... neither eligible for nor entitled to hold this honoured position."

67393

Schoenman asks for Shastri's opinion on two enclosed articles (not present). The articles concern the true nature of Western aggression in the Congo, and the true nature of the war of atrocity in Vietnam.

67394

BR is "... very disturbed by the mass arrests of communists in India under the Preventive Detention Act." BR comments that the arrests are causing "... grave apprehension in the minds of all those who value civil liberty and are friends of India."

Also present is a copy of the letter, document .179092, TL(CAR).

67395

Prasad is Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Prasad, on behalf of Prime Minister Shastri, thanks Schoenman for his letter of 25 January 1965 in which Schoenman enclosed articles on the Congo and Vietnam.

67396

"Confidential".

BR expresses his concern about "... the difficulties India is having with Pakistan on the question of Kashmir." BR mentions that he has some "concrete proposals" and hopes to "... place them before you in New Delhi through a representative."

The letter is typed on BRPF letterhead and contains some editing. "Recopied at, and sent from Plas Penrhyn, 7/4/65" appears at the left-hand margin in Edith Russell's hand. The editing is also in her hand.

67397

"Confidential".

BR mentions that it was "very kind" of Shastri to visit with him at his home and discuss "... so frankly the delicate and difficult problems of Sino-Indian and Indo-Pakistani relations." BR offers his congratulations to Shastri for settling the "... dispute in the Rann of Kutch with Pakistan."

67398

"Confidential".

Shastri thanks BR for his recent letter (see record 67397), and tells BR that he has "paid a tribute to Indian statesmanship over the years". Shastri mentions that "it was a pleasure to have met you in London."

67399

The document is an invitation from the Acting High Commissioner (not named) to attend a memorial meeting for Indian Prime Minister Shastri. The memorial meeting is scheduled to take place 21 January 1966 at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

67400

Gandhi is Prime Minister of India.

BR congratulates Gandhi on her election as Prime Minister. BR mentions that he is "... deeply shocked by the kidnapping and probable murder of Mehdi Ben Barka", and that he suspects the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency. BR adds that he hopes to start a campaign through the BRPF to "expose the role of the C.I.A." BR fears "... that 1966 is a dangerous year for the anti-imperialist forces and we must act quickly and decisively."