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Correspondence from Charles Harper [Waterhouse & Co., Solicitors for Constable & Co.] to Otto Kyllmann [Constable & Co., Publishers of Laughing Torso]
[Correspondence concerning Constable & Co.'s preparation for the libel suit brought by Aleister Crowley against Nina Hamnett and the publication of her book Laughing Torso.]
Waterhouse & Co. Solicitors 10 & 12 Bishopsgate, London, E.C.2.
19th June 1933
CROWLEY
My dear Kyllmann,
Any question of whether we shall apply to the Court to dismiss Crowley's action for want of prosecution is answered to-day by his solicitors serving us this afternoon notice of trial of the action.
Notice of Trial in the High Court is always for ten days. This notice is dated the 17th instant and therefore expires on the 27th, on which day, if the Courts had nothing else to do, the case would be in the list for hearing. As however the Court have a great deal to do it is quite likely that the case will not be reached until after the Vacation, namely on or after the 1st of October. I will find out to-morrow about the state of the list and let you know.
I take it that you will not now entertain the idea of re-issuing "Laughing Torso" until after the disposal of the action. It would not be wise to do so.
Doubtless you read the article in yesterday's Sunday Dispatch. The previous Sunday announced the coming series of articles on Crowley's life as a great scoop. It is a scoop rather for Crowley than for the Sunday Dispatch for it gives no definite information and I suppose he has got a fat cheque from the newspaper and has therefore been able to set down the action and find the fees for counsel and the jury.
I am afraid that I must now proceed to get ready for the trial.
Yours very sincerely,
Charles S. J. Harper
Otto Kyllmann, Esq., 10 & 12, Orange Street, Leicester Square, W.C.2.
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