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Correspondence from Captain F.N.E. Townshend to J.F.C. Fuller
Taormina.
Ap. 28. 1921.
My dear Fuller,
Your letter of 18. 4. 21. has just reached me. You have quite convinced me of the utter undesirability of visiting Cefalu—so if you have not already replied to my second letter don't bother to do so. Thank you again for your very timely warning: especially do I appreciate your promptness in cabling—I hope it wasn't [illegible] costly. I am not really sorry that I met A.C.—he's extremely interesting—but I don't want to meet him again. I didn't say much about you—I think he was more interested in the 'bird in hand'—and it would not be difficult for him to ascertain that you are at the W.[ar] O.[ffice].
All the same I am sorry that I communicated that fact to him—especially if he worries you in any way: though I imagine, from what you say—that he is unlikely to re-appear in England. So much for A.C. Oh, I nearly forgot—he sent me a letter so alluringly [illegible] that I think I should have been put off even without your earnest warning. Funny how that kind so easily give themselves away. No I don't know where his pictures are on show.
Taormina bores me. Too many foreigners—and the inhabitants much spoilt in consequence. But it's very beautiful from a scenic point of view and I can bathe and lie naked in the sun which would be impossible now in England. I don't know how long I shall stay or where I shall go—but I contemplate Tunis: the call of the Shining East I suppose. I may have to come back earlier than I wish—[illegible] truculent landlord vexes my soul and requires strong treatment for the good of his —but about July will find me home again I think. As you say our is an impossible country, and, I may be quite wrong, but I think we are only on the threshold of troubles to be. Let us hope they work out smoothly without too much upheaval.
Cheerio—I thank you again. I'll send a line when I'm in the offing!
Yours ever,
F.N.E. Townshend.
P.S. I read your lecture on Tanks in the R.E. Journal. I [illegible] you have to be too temperate to make these people even begin to think. Takes a lot to [illegible] their [illegible] would and one has to weep so silently when years afterwards they tell you 'Experience has shown'. All the same I prefer a spot of imagination!!
Col. J.F.C. Fuller D.S.O. War Office Whitehall S.W.1.
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