Letter from Alan Green to his parents

Letter from Alan Green to his parents

Alan talks about issues with the family building firm.

1943-09-08

One handwritten envelope and letter

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EGreenAWGreenWH430908-0001,
EGreenAWGreenWH430908-0002

[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]

[inserted] Written 8/9/43 Rec'd Nov. 17 [/inserted]

Mr. W.H. Green
“Hollingworth”
Firs Estate
Kenilworth Rd
Coventry
Warwickshire
England

[sender] F/Lt Green
287

[page break]

8-9-43

Dear Father Hope you got first 2 parts. Older established firms of this nature may get priorities on building materials & labour (note Poynton was at Branch Representatives meeting June 14th). It would seem to me essential to be on the “ground floor”. Matters which should be taken into consideration before plunging are as follows.
(a) Other firms of this nature have probably given little attention to our influences before, but the situation would be forcibly brought home to them if we visibly entered a field they probably consider to be theirs exclusively & inviolably. Hence we must be prepared for keen competition.
(b) Geographical & social tendencies of the city must be noted. I can give little assistance here, and final decision must rest entirely at you, but I would like to record the following – Economists probably considered (except for few further sighted individuals) that they had the situation under perfect control after the last war. Who is to say that (in spite of past experiences) some unforeseen eventuality will not once more occur? Coventry has always been a very versatile industrial city, whilst she could be extremely prosperous, she might also be the hardest hit if there were a general depression (for obvious reasons).

I have little doubt that a seasoned business brain has already seen these aspects of the situation and many more besides (there most certainly are many more) & has already decided upon the right course of action, but put the question in order to see if I were taking an interest in the situation. I should imagine that Basil's views are somewhat analogous to my own & we should get a high degree of co-operation when we get our heads together once more. You have had your mail for some time to come!

I remain
Your Affectionate Son
Alan

P.S. Keep up the bowls & give my love to all.