(1896-1965) British Lieutenant-Colonel of World War II, known as the 'father of the British airborne forces'. During the Second World War, Browning commanded the 1st Airborne Division and I Airborne Corps and was also the deputy commander of First Allied Airborne Army during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. During the planning for this operation, he was alleged to have said: 'I think we might be going a bridge too far'. Surprising content war-date A.L.S. signed with his familiar 'Boy', 6pp. 8vo., Hampshire, Mar. 3 [1940] to Reginald [Davies]. Browning thanks his correspondent for sending his letter and pamphlet, with which he is in general agreement, continuing: '...I say 'generally' because to swallow the whole situation as it stands would be too idealistic. There are so many prejudices and moral barriers to break down before the problem can be approached in the manner you suggest. This is not to say that I do not agree with the system outlined because I do most wholeheartedly. And I think it would work once the foundations of international Christianity are laid. That, my dear Reginald, is the great problem which urgently requires as well worked out a scheme as yours to bring about. It's indeed a big task and is nothing less than the fulfilment of the Prime Minister's policy of appeasement, which in simple language means a change of heart among all the peoples of the earth, the most urgent change being necessary among our own race! If you could work out a scheme (I dare say the Prime Minister is urgently employed on a like problem) to bring about this change of heart you would be putting the horse in its correct relation to the cart...I was delighted to read that the Canal Brigade Training, which was carried out in co-operation with the native troops, was a success and briefly distinguished by the fact that even in spite of orders the Egyptian troops were very loath to retire even in spite of the most explicit directions and the urgent requirements of a most hazardous situation!...' Some light overall foxing, otherwise very good.