On 3 March 1945, after the defendants had served their imprisonments, the
Freedom Press Defence Committee reconstituted itself as the
Freedom Defence Committee, which was set up "to uphold the essential liberty of individuals and organisations, and to defend those who are persecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of speech, writing and action".
Herbert Read served as the chair.
Fenner Brockway and Patrick Figgis (a well-known church socialist) initially served as its vice-chairs. Other vice-chairs later included
Richard Acland and
George Orwell.
Ethel Mannin initially served as its secretary, from whom
George Woodcock later took over. The Committee had sponsors. Initially they were
A. E. Housman,
Ethel Mannin, S. Vere Pearson and
Reginald Reynolds, who had previously been members of the defunct
Solidaridad Internacional Antifascista (in English
International Antifascist Solidarity). They were subsequently joined by many well-known 'writers, artists and musicians', and politicians
Aneurin Bevan and
Michael Foot. On 18 September 1948, the committee had published in the
Socialist Leader its letter requesting urgent funds which was signed by
Benjamin Britten,
E. M. Forster,
Augustus John, Orwell, Read and
Osbert Sitwell. The situation which prompted the letter was that the accounts of the committee showed 'a deficit of over £145', and that it immediately needed 'at least £500' and thereafter 'a regular income of at least £1,000' if it was 'to carry on efficiently.' The Committee was dissolved in 1949. == Notes ==