The Freedom Defence Committee was a UK-based organization set up in 1945 to "uphold the essential liberty of individuals and organizations, and to defend those who are persecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of speech, writing and action."[1]
The Committee came into being as a result of the Freedom Press being raided at the end of 1944 and four editors of War Commentary, including Vernon Richards[2] and Philip Sansom,[3] being prosecuted at the beginning of 1945 for attempting "to undermine the affections of members of His Majesty's Forces."[2] and because the National Council for Civil Liberties was considered a Communist front.[2]
An open letter requesting urgent funds was published in the 18 September 1948 issue of Socialist Leader and was signed by Benjamin Britten, E. M. Forster, Augustus John, George Orwell, Herbert Read (chairman) and Osbert Sitwell.[1] The Committee's secretary was George Woodcock.[4]
It was dissolved in 1949.[4]
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  | Obituary ''The Independent'' - Obituary: Philip Sansom - Arts & Entertainment - The Independent |
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