DLA166-0081  Transcription

GWYLFA HIRAETHOG,

DENBIGH,

N. WALES.

7th Octr. 1917.

Dear Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 5th inst I am sorry I cannot comply with your request that I should attend the next meeting of the Committee on the 11th inst. before which Mr. Laszlo’s appeal will be heard, but I have a long standing engagement away from here which it is impossible to postpone.

But as one of those who stood “sponsor” for Mr. Laszlo at the time that he made his application to become a naturalised

[Page 2]

British subject – several months before the outbreak of war. Be it remarked – I do not hesitate to state as my connection founded on a long acquaintance with him that he always displayed a loyal friendship for England coupled with a desire to become permanently associated with the country of his adoption as a subject.

From what I have recently heard he has unfortunately committed what are manifestly indiscretions – unpremeditated I believe. But to assess their gravity accurately and fairly to Mr. Laszlo the question of motive is all important.

In my judgement he is quite incapable

[Page 3]

of committing any act as against this Nation’s interest with premeditation or design. He no doubt will have fully realised his foolishness in acting as he has. But if the punishment is to be adjusted to the offence I should hope that those who decide in these matters will be satisfied that he has suffered already enough for his transgressions.

Yours faithfully

Devonport

JC. St. Quentin Esq.

Editorial Note:

Hudson Ewbanke Kearley, 1st Viscount Devonport (1856-1934), for biographical notes, see [4571].

StdeL

24/02/2024