Winston S. Churchill | Typed letter signed ("Winston Churchill"), to General Sir Leslie Hollis, 20 August 1952

Winston S. Churchill

Typed letter signed ("Winston Churchill"), as Prime Minister, to General Sir Leslie Hollis, declining a request to contribute a foreward to the latter's memoirs, dated 20 August 1952

1-page (7 1/4 x 9 1/4 in.; 184 x 235 mm), on 10 Downing Street, “Prime Minister” stationery, dated 20 August 1952”, with salutation and lengthy “P.S.” in Churchill’s hand; hole punched at the upper left corner, minor foxing.

(7 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches).

"MY DEAR HOLLIS, I AM INDEED INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE WRITING YOUR MEMOIRS, AND I AM SURE THEY WILL BE A SUCCESS.”

In his kind letter, Churchill continues: “So many people ask me these days to contribute something to their books that I find, much to my regret that I cannot undertake to do so. I hope you will excuse and understand me therefore if I tell you that, much as I am complimented by your invitation, I feel I cannot write a Foreword as you suggest…” [Added in ink, all in Churchill’s hand:] "P.S. Ask me if you are in doubt about any point of personal interest. WC" General Sir Leslie Hollis served as Senior Assistant Secretary in the War Cabinet Office during World War II, and was present at virtually every major decision during that period, attending all the major conferences — Washington, Cairo, Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. He was also instrumental in creating the bunker that became known as the Cabinet War Rooms (now known as the Churchill War Rooms).