2110-3-4-21

76, PORTLAND PLACE, W.1.

Aug: 10: 18

My dearest wee Mother

I was very glad to get your letter last night. However did you get so wrong about the row we have had? There was never the slightest charge against me personally. The aim of the Select Committee was to blame the Treasury, for not accepting and putting into force the system of accounts I suggested, and so providing a better accounting check. The story of the Irish trip was a blunder of a subordinate, whom I sacked for it. The dinner they objected to was given under a direct instruction from the War Cabinet. The stories of waste of paper were lies, as was indicated in the House. The debate strengthened me enormously, for all the critics of the Ministry declared that the work was far better done before the Ministry was created - i.e. in

[ST: I think he means when it was the Department of Information of which JB was Director]

my time. The real attack was upon Beaverbrook for bringing in so many financiers, and the answer which the Treasury gave & which satisfied the House was that these financiers had nothing to do with policy, which is entirely in my hands. I only was attacked in so far as I refused to sever myself from Beaverbrook - which was right.

I had a letter from old Skiel yesterday. He was just off for Murmansk in a Royal Scots battalion & in the highest spirits. It makes me sad to think how Alastair's old battalion is split up now. . . . This is a glorious performance of ours in the West.

I send a Scots poem which Nan will like.

Much love to all

[Your loving?]

John