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Lot #492
Ian Fleming

In a rare instance of severity, Fleming offers his correspondent some "dreadfully hard words"

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Estimate: $1200+
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Description

In a rare instance of severity, Fleming offers his correspondent some "dreadfully hard words"

TLS signed “Yours ever, Ian Fleming,” one page, 8 x 10, Kemsley House letterhead, October 29, 1953. Letter to journalist and spy Antony Terry of the British Press Centre, in full: "I have been looking over your expenses for the last few months and I really must urge you again to try and institute some fairly drastic economies. Berlin is now far and away our most expensive centre, with an average of something like £300. a month in expenses and overheads. With our present restricted service, I am afraid this cost is quite unjustifiable and at any moment the whole position of Berlin will be put under a magnifying glass. In preparation for that inevitable day, we must somehow cut these costs down. For instance, entertainment, stringers and payment for information in September, were over £100., and we cannot even afford half of that. Your invaluable Miss Michelau is costing £50. a month and you are the only one of our correspondents with a secretary or assistant. What are we to do about it? The telephone bill for September was nearly £80. It must be halved. These are dreadfully hard words and I would not be writing them if they were not one hundred percent justified by the current situation. By hook or by crook you must cut the Berlin overheads down to £100. a month, even if your service has to suffer in the process. Anyway please let me know how this can conceivably be achieved and don't forget that you have all my sympathy in your appalling task." Fleming adds the salutation in his own hand. In fine condition, with two filing holes to the left side, and a rusty paperclip impression and staple holes to the top edge.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #541 - Ended December 05, 2018





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