![]() Letters and invitations to Maclean from members of the Royal Family. Perhaps fascinated enough that some of Maclean’s adventures seeped their way into Fleming’s own novels? The letter shows that Fleming was not only acquainted with the details of Maclean’s personal life, he was fascinated by it. I have no hesitation in being cruel with the intention of being kind! If it would be any help please don’t hesitate to show him this letter. It is such a magnificent book and I have so much admiration and affection for Fitzroy that I would like him to avoid the criticisms which he will get from many who don’t know him as well as I do. ![]() He writes that Parts I & II of Approaches are “beautifully written and of absorbing interest,” and continues by advising Maclean to cut out sections in which he feels the Brigadier comes off too pompously. One of the letters, sent to Approaches publisher Jonathan Cape, shows that Fleming had read Maclean’s book carefully. Two letters from Fleming focus on Maclean’s own endeavors as a writer (he published the very successful, autobiographical book Eastern Approaches in 1949-four years before Fleming would publish his first Bond novel, Casino Royale). A photo of Maclean’s shows Fleming casually stirring a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon in the countryside together (Box 79). Their relationship is one of many stories told through the Papers. Well, that and the fact Maclean and Ian Fleming were close personal friends. It is this same dutiful-and adventurous-spirit which has lead many to believe Maclean was the inspiration for Bond. Maclean’s understanding of the Yugoslavian nation and mindset better informed Western Bloc leaders of how best to interact with the NAM’s most prominent member.Ī snapshot of Tito (left),and Fitzroy Maclean (center left), with two other unidentified figures, ca. This was crucial work during the Cold War era, as Tito has been considered the brainpower behind the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a group of states which deemed itself “outside” either of the major Cold War power blocs. The memos, written in a journalistic style and sent out as reports to the British government, helped British officials understand the culture and political climate of the area where Maclean was stationed. Maclean’s hard work in Yugoslavia remains one of his best-known legacies, and his original, Top Secret reports provide a first-hand look at his determined work ethic. There, Maclean befriended the Dictator, reporting back to Churchill that Tito should receive British support for his anti-German war efforts. Winston Churchill himself decided in 1943 that Maclean would be dropped into Bosnia by parachute to work as the British representative to Yugoslavian dictator Josip Broz Tito. ![]() Maclean did just that, and his skilled reporting on the political climate in Russia brought him recognition from British officials of the highest order. Later letters talk of Maclean’s reassignments: first to Paris, then to Moscow-where he was given just under a year to master Russian in his own free time and on his own dime. Photo by Molly Schwartzburg)Įarly career letters paint the portrait of a confident, adept worker-for example, a letter from an official with the British Foreign Service addressed to Maclean’s father praises the boy as quicker than other staff members and one to watch out for. This one dates approximately from the Second World War. One of many photographs of Maclean from across the scope of his lengthy career. The collection, which contains correspondence, manuscripts, typescripts, newspapers, memorabilia, and many other kinds of artifacts, vividly tells the story of one man’s rise to the upper ranks of the British Foreign Service through talent, determination, and a sense of adventure. The University of Virginia Library acquired his papers in 1998, and they have been accessible to researchers ever since. Quickly promoted up the ranks in all of the many positions he held, Maclean is remembered for his adventurous spirit and contributions to British allied efforts during WWII, numerous books (spy novels, biographies, and autobiographies), extensive travel reporting to the government from remote parts of Central Asia, and numerous friendships with such people as Winston Churchill, Josip Broz ‘Tito,’ Prince Charles, and the Queen Mother herself. Maclean was a Scottish soldier, politician, diplomat, author, and pundit who traveled extensively throughout his career, spending time in London, Paris, Moscow, Cairo, Yugoslavia, and almost everywhere in between. ![]() An identification tag from the UK delegation to a NATO Parliamentarians Conference, undated.
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