167

Shaw attempts to avoid trouble from government censors

George Bernard Shaw

Autograph Letter Signed, "G. Bernard Shaw," to the Editor

of the Daily Chronicle [Robert Donald?], on a postcard, warning than a failure to heed his corrections could result in a violation of the [Defence of the Realm] Act. 1 page, 12mo; remnants of hinging at upper edge verso, cancelled green halfpenny postage stamp on verso showing profile of George V.

[London], 5 March 1917.

  • Notes: "My article today seems to be printed from the first unrevised proof. This does not matter, as it involves nothing worse than an obvious geographical blunder.
    "But in the second article I submitted the passage about the steel foundry to the commanding officer concerned, and promised him to omit a few words. If they appear it will seem a breach of faith.
    "In the third article a couple of lines were struck out by the censor; and their retention will be an offence under the Act.
    "It is therefore important that the articles on Wednesday & Saturday should appear as corrected and not as in my typewritten copy."

    In August 1914, soon after Britain entered World War I, Parliament passed the Defence of the Realm Act, granting extraordinary powers to the government, including censorship of the press and postal service, remaining in effect until 1920.
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April 9, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
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