Autograph Letter Signed ('Bill') to Astor ('Max'), on the death of his father Lord Beaverbrook.

Author: 
William Waldorf Astor (1907-1966), 3rd Viscount Astor [Sir John William Maxwell Aitken (1910-1985), 2nd Baronet; Max Aitken
Publication details: 
9 June 1964; on Cliveden House letterhead.
£56.00
SKU: 8326

4to, 2 pp. Very good. Small ink tick at head of first page (not affecting text). Begins 'Though - being human - such things have to happen there must still be a terrible sense of sadness and shock.' Referring to a speech by Aitken's father, at a dinner at the Dorchester Hotel to celebrate his eighty-fifth birthday, reported in The Times, 26 May 1964, Astor writes: 'To have made that speech so few days ago was an act of great courage - and certainly it was something that will be remembered and become part of the history of our times.' He continues: 'Our families have known each other for many many years - not perhaps as closely as I would have liked - but what is left of them will all be thinking of you to-night. How we shall miss you - but all will wish you great success and happiness in your new <?> responsibilities.' He has no fear about Aitken's success. This item is from Sir Max Aitken's papers.