T. E. Lawrence to Ernest Thurtle

14 Barton Street
Westminster
London, S.W.1.

9.2.29

Dear Mr. Thurtle

I doubt whether you properly observed the street's name or the number of the house, the other night. Will you hand it on, please, to whoever will return my books - and please remind them to be uncommonly discreet over The Mint, the R.A.F. book; for I have been told by the Powers that my visit to the House was not approved: told very distinctly, I'm afraid.

It was very pleasant for me that you were so reasonable, that night. You will realise that I can't spend an hour with everybody, explaining that there is no mystery: and I'm delighted to have had the chance, by lending you those two books, to give myself away to you completely. If Mr. Maxton will read some of them, he'll never be nervous about me, either, again.

Yours sincerely

T E Shaw