ALS requesting Information for The Minister and the Massacres

1p. ALS. to Capt. Pugh. Slight creasing from mailing, but otherwise very good. Dated 10th September,

Tolstoy apologises for approaching Pugh "uninvited", but requests any information at all about his actions with the 3rd Bn. Welsh Guards in Austria which will help to "present as full and accurate a picture" as possible of the forcible repatriations. Specifically he is seeking recollections that cast light on the human side of the story, "Anything that throws a light on the motivation or feelings of British officers and other ranks obliged to implement or fulfil the orders. In the case of the Cossacks, any factor relating to the question of citizenship, screening (or rather its absence), and the Yalta Agreement."

An insight into the thoroughness of Tolstoy's research methods in preparing for publication the book which was to lead to his controversial conviction for libels against Lord Aldington.

Stock Code: 88864