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Friday August 23 1935
4. KING's BENCH WALK, TEMPLE, LONDON, E. C. 4.
Dear John,
A rumour has reached me that you are looking out for a Secretary, to take to Ottawa. On the chance that this rumour is not untrue I write to recommend a young man who I think would be ideal. His name is Jim Lees-Milne-- age about 24 or 25 educated Eton and Oxford- since then has been secretary to George Lloyd who would confirm anything you wish. He is a quiet, hard-working, tactful and very precise person and combines great personal and social charm with a hard head and a real passion for routine work.
The worst of it is tgat he has left Lloyd and taken a job in Reuters- as secretary to Roderick Jones. I do not know how far he is committed to Reuter's or Jones -- and I do not wish to ask him about it, since it is better never to tell the victims of one's intrigues that one is intriguing on their behalf. But I do certainly feel he is the sort of man whom you would want and I also feel that at Reuters he may not find scope for his particular gifts. George Lloyd is devoted to him and would cofirm everything I say in his praise.
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If you wish to get hold of Lees-Milne a letter to Reuters would find him.
In any case do not bother to answer this as I know how rushed you must be. I wish you all luck in your imperial job. It is a fine task and you will do it magnificently. I envy you your chances of public service. I seem to have muddled all my own and literature, while one is still active, is not enough.
Yours ever ,
Harold Nicholson
