Читать книгу The Times Great War Letters: Correspondence during the First World War - James Owen - Страница 33

PRIVATE LETTERS AND THE CENSORSHIP

27 January 1915

SIR,—MAY I APPEAL TO you on a matter which interests a large number of persons, who, like myself, must be at a loss to know how to act?

Before Christmas I wrote a letter to my friend Mr. Compton Mackenzie, the novelist, who lives in Capri. It was delivered, after a very long delay (of which we make no complaint), but it was accompanied by a curtly-worded communication from the English censorship, desiring Mr. Mackenzie to tell his correspondent that, in future, if the latter wished his letters to be delivered he must write “shortly and clearly.” As far as “clearness” is concerned, my handwriting, whatever its demerits, is as clear as print. As far as “shortness” is concerned, my letter was not longer than one is accustomed to write to a friend abroad. I wrote exclusively about a literary matter interesting to Mr. Compton Mackenzie and myself. Political questions, even the war itself, were not mentioned or approached. Mr. Mackenzie’s reply, which was as long as my letter, and dealt with precisely the same subject, came to me without delay, and without having been opened.

As I desire nothing less than to incommode a busy public department, I wrote privately to the Censor, stating what I have mentioned above, and asking for definite instructions. I have had a civil reply, but not the least explanation or information. Can you, Sir, therefore inform me what number of words the Censor permits a friend in England to address to a friend in a neutral country?

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

EDMUND GOSSE