I have now read your survey of M.O.I. activities in the Midland Region from cover to cover. First, let me say how much I have enjoyed reading it. I am very conscious of the amount of research and careful thought which have obviously been put into it. This record is one which, though provocative in many respects, represents your own very firm convictions based on experience, not only in the Regions, but at H.Q. It should, and will take its place as it is in any final summary of M.O.I. activities, and if there is ever a need for another wartime M.O.I. in the distant future (which God forbid!) planners to-be will be able to draw on the experience of first-hand workers.
You say that my original circular seemed to ask for something in the nature of a history. That is true, I want to have for permanent record a general account written from the H.Q. point of view, and separate regional accounts which would bring out the story from the regional point of view, and although among the hundreds of files here, most of the material could probably be picked out in time, it seemed to me that the only really effective way of assuring that the regional story, (backed up by its facts and figures) was told against the regional background was to leave that entirely to the regions themselves, I knew that the last thing I wanted or should get, would be 12 regional stories all according to the same pattern. The essence of regional strength has been its adaptability and personality.
If you are coming near Russell Square House later, do call in here. I would like to have an opportunity of talking over some of the points you have made in your very interesting and useful report.
