TLS signed “Winston S. Churchill,” one page, 7.25 x 9, personal letterhead, May 9, 1934. Letter, labeled “Private” in Churchill’s hand to a Mr. O. C. Williams. In full, “In consequence of a request which I received from the Prime Minister I shall be glad if you will return to me my letter to you of May 7 about which there appears to have been some misunderstanding. At the same time I return you herewith your letter of May 8 which has arisen out of that misunderstanding. You will of course obtain the authority of the Chairman of the Committee of Privileges to this course.” Archivally gilt and cloth matted with an original stately portrait of Churchill by Josef Karsh, signed by Karsh in the lower border and a biographical plaque, to an overall size of 27.5 x 22.5. Churchill spent the best part of 1934 fighting corruption in Parliament, in particular, demanding a Committee of Privileges be set up to investigate the actions of Sir Samuel Hoare and the India Office over the India bill. Word reached Churchill that Lord Derby and Sir Samuel Hoare had pressured the Manchester Chamber of Commerce not to speak against the India White Paper proposals on the cotton industry. The initial evidence presented to the House by Churchill resulted in an investigation by a Committee of Privileges. Although Government leaders dominated the Committee they resented the entire incident. Hoare and Baldwin saw it as an attempt by Churchill to bring down the Government. The Committee voted unanimously that there had been no breach of privileges by Hoare and Derby. All parties questioned Churchill’s motives at the time. Evidence now indicates that while Churchill was correct in his charges, he was politically inept in his handling of the incident. In fine condition, with two bisecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a couple trivial wrinkles and spots. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
