BR TO VICTOR GOLLANCZ, 15 JUNE 1947
BRACERS 56322. TLS(X). Warwick U. Library
Proofread by K. Blackwell

<letterhead>
27 Dorset House
Gloucester Place
N.W.1.
15th June, 1947

Dear Gollancz,

I got back yesterday evening from Paris and found your letter, as well as one from Sandys asking me to go to Paris which I shall not do.a I feel as you do that recent events have very much changed the situation.1 It looks as if American initiative was going to make part, at least, of the policy of the United Europe practical politics, and as Bevin is so enthusiastic I do not see how Labour people can find fault with us for supporting United Europe. It is, of course, clear that France is the pivot, and I think it will be very difficult to get the French government to commit itself to anything that Russia would seriously oppose. However, it does not seem possible that France should go on much longer without making a definite choice — possibly involving civil war.

Boothby’s letter2 which you enclosed is very interesting. I should like to know how far it is based upon secret information; it is certainly what I should suppose to be true. It looks to me as if a showdown between Russia and America were coming much more quickly than I had expected. I do not see how America could acquiesce in any Russification of Austria, or in the use of Russian planes to give the victory to Chinese communists.

I should certainly be very glad indeed if you and I jointly could have an interview with the P.M. I have no engagements in the near future and therefore could manage any time. I should like to have a talk with you before we see him, and, in fact, as soon as possible.

Certainly my desire, if you acquiesce, is to hold up our resignation from United Europe until the situation is clarified one way or the other.

Yours ever,
<signed> Russell

• 1

  recent events have very much changed the situation The announcement of the Marshall Plan was one.

• 2

  Boothby’s letter [BRACERS has Boothby’s letter as record 56324, but it is not in Rec. Acq. 663.??.]

Textual Notes

• a

  which I shall not do inserted by means of an asterisk