File 1948 - Letters of 1948

135 letters paper

Letters from Harold Spencer Jones and his wife Mary at Flamsteed House who encourage Pars to go to America for his sabbatical leave. Several letters from Oswald Veblen and Oppenheimer at Princeton. Oppenheimer has offered Pars a membership at the Institute of Advanced Studies. Veblen has informed him that a room has been reserved for him in Oppenheimer's dormitory. Pars still needs permission from the Treasury to take money out of the country. Veblen warns him of the high teaching load that is expected at American Universities. Pars had met Veblen whilst hiking in the Dolomites where Veblen was staying with Lyttlewood. Pars is considering being a visiting lecturer and asks Veblen's advice on the matter. Due to rationing, the Bank of England is being very strict about people taking money out of the country. Pars fears another war and states, "we wanted to save Poland and Czechoslavakia from the Nazis-and we have ended by delivering them to an even worse tyranny." Several letter to Peter Robbins regarding contacts in America. Pars knows Birkhoff at Harvard. He provides updates of College affairs-David Balme is going to West Africa as principal of a new university there. Marraine is enjoying his job at Chelsea and has taken up painting. Letters from Aleathea in Acton. The usual letters from boy's schools regarding certain boys and their prospects of getting into Jesus. Letters from Patsy. Correspondence with Booth regarding a Mr. Cox who owes Pars money. Long letters from Tony (wife Nancy). Bobby Gittings writes from the BBC. Pars is very letigious-now his solicitor and fellow Latymerian is issuing a summons for payment to Messrs. Lavender and Sons (20/10/00) for contracted work not completed. Letter from David Furley. Many letters from Oliver, Helen and their parents Mr. And Mrs. Lawn. Letters from Christopher (Benson and Dodd). Thank yous for wedding gifts and for taking people to plays and dinners. Several letters to and from Gardner Smith which are very revealing. Pars claims that he has been Gardner Smith's defender in the face of "the implacable hatred of Brittain." He accuses G.S. of being disloyal to him by supporting Peter Stokes as choice of Chaplain. Pars feels himself a victim and likens G.S.'s behaviour to that of "German soldiers who crushed, with their heavy lorries, the women and children refugees on the roads of France." Needless to say, G.S. is appalled by this comparison and likens Pars to St. Jerome. His response is very level headed and he responds by saying to Pars, "You let resentment fester in your mind, and that is not wise." However he does regard Brittain as a "pathological case". See letters and comments for details. A.E. Ingham writes from the Evelyn Nursing Home. He has pneumonia with some pleurisy. There are several letters. He is looking for people to cover his lectures. Taunt and Pennington are suggested. Letter from Robbie Jennings. Norman Jeeves writes to thank Pars for his support. Letter from John Sawyer who is now working for the Air Ministry in London doing meteorological work. He provides a detailed explanation of what he has been doing since 1937. More letters from G.C. Steward in Hull. They are looking to appoint 3 or 4 people for the mathematical staff. He provides grades and salary details. Steward is working with Livens and sometimes Wren in London. He mentions projects and interests such a "Elasticity" and work on vectors. A. E. Green has gone off to South Africa. Informal letter from Derek Taunt. Letter from Barry Till. Pars is being paid by King's for supervising some of Ingham's students. Letter from Pars other godson John in Liverpool. He thanks Pars for the four shillings he sent. Letter from Michael Webster (vicar and Jesuan) to say he is getting married to Barbara and they have invited him to the wedding. Pars usually does not go to weddings, but he always sends gifts.