/> I think you will find the Major the man you want. He is quiet and shy at first, but he really knows his stuff. He was more accurate than some of us about the probable run of events at Dieppe, and he had been well in on the experiments which took place up in Scotland.
Let me have him back, please, as soon as the assault is over. He might bring some sardines with him—they are on “points” here!
Yours Sincerely,
Louis Mountbatten
Admiral of the Fleet Sir A.B. Cunningham, G.C.B.,
D.S.O.
Commander in Chief Mediterranean
Allied Force H.Q.,
Algiers
* * *
When Fleming had finished, he looked up and found Niven holding out the second sheet.
“I like the reference to Dieppe and the experiments,” Fleming said. “Gives him a genuine air of being connected and in the know.”
“And the sardines line is bloody brilliant,” Niven said. “It screams Sardinia— yet subtly.”
“And he doesn’t want his major stolen,” Fleming added. “Sets the mind not to think about something causing the letter not to be delivered. Clever.”
Fleming passed the page that he held to Charity, then took the second page from Niven and read:
* * *
In Reply, Quote S.R. 1989/43
COMBINED OPERATIONS HEADQUARTERS
1A RICHMOND TERRACE
WHITEHALL S.W.I
22nd April, 1943
Dear General,
I am sending you herewith two copies of the pamphlet which has been prepared describing the activities of my Command; I have also enclosed copies of the photographs which are to be included in the pamphlet.
The book has been written by Hilary St. George Saunders, the English author of Battle of Britain, Bomber Command, and other pamphlets which have had a great success in this country and yours.
This edition which is to be published in the States has already enjoyed pre-publication sales of nearly a million and a half, and I understand the American authorities will distribute the book widely throughout the U.S. Army.
I understand from the British Information Service in Washington that they would like a “message” from you for use in the advertising for the pamphlet, and that they have asked you direct, through Washington, for such a message.
I am sending the proofs by hand of my Royal Marines Staff Officer. I need not say how honoured we shall all be if you will give such a message. I fully realise what a lot is being asked of you at a time when you are so fully occupied with infinitely more important matters. But I hope you may find a few minutes’ time to provide the pamphlet with an expression of your invaluable approval so that it will be read widely and given every chance to bring its message of co-operation to our two peoples.
We are watching your splendid progress with admiration and pleasure and wish we could be with you.
You may speak freely to my Staff Officer in this as well as any other matters since he has my entire confidence.
Yours Sincerely,