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British politician (1869–1940) who served as prime minister from 1937 to 1940, and is remembered for his foreign policy of appeasement toward Nazi Germany; by signing the Munich Agreement in 1938, he allowed Hitler to annex Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland in what is now recognized as one of the major early steps toward World War II. World War II–dated TLS, signed “Yours ever, Neville Chamberlain,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, Privy Council Office letterhead, May 14, 1940. Letter to Captain Sir William Brass, addressed in Chamberlain's hand as "My dear Willie," in full: "Many thanks for your letter. The attitude of some of our friends on the other side is not very pleasant, but that is a small thing compared with the tasks ahead. I am grateful to you for the things you say and for your good wishes, and above all for your long support and loyalty." Chamberlain finishes the letter in his own hand: "I am sure I can be of more help to the country now where I am than as P.M." In fine condition, with small rust stains to the left edge.
Chamberlain had just resigned from his position as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on May 10th, following the 'Norway Debate' in the House of Commons. After the failure of Allied forces to prevent the German invasion of Norway, a no-confidence motion was held amidst widespread criticism of Chamberlain's conduct in the war. Accepting that a national government supported by all the main parties was essential, Chamberlain resigned from the premiership but remained leader of the Conservative Party—a position in which he believed, as he expresses here, that he could "be of more help to the country."
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