Freedom Defence Committee
The Freedom Defence Committee was a UK-based organisation set up on 3 March 1945 [1] to "uphold the essential liberty of individuals and organisations, and to defend those who are persecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of speech, writing and action."[2] Chaired by Herbert Read, with Fenner Brockway and Patrick Figgis as vice-chairmen, the committee's secretary was Ethel Mannin.[3] Later, George Orwell became a vice-chair and George Woodcock, secretary.[4]
The Committee came into being as a result of
The three were convicted at the
An open letter requesting urgent funds was published in the 18 September 1948 issue of
It was dissolved in 1949.[4]
References
- ^ Peace News, 9 March 1945
- ^ a b Orwell, Sonia and Angus, Ian (eds.). The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell Volume 4: In Front of Your Nose (1945-1950) (Penguin)
- ^ Peace News, 23 March 1945
- ^ a b "Orwell Today" Retrieved 19 August 2013.
- ^ a b c George Orwell at Home pp 71-72 Freedom Press (1998),
- ^ "Obituary: Philip Sansom". The Independent. 1999-11-03. Retrieved 2019-06-13.
- ^ Peace News, 4 May 1945