Published posthumously, this booklet was the result of 'a combination of circumstances'. After J. R. Rowland's death, 'the Historical Documents Branch was asked to locate some of his poetry and other writing'. The branch also 'became aware that the obituaries printed in two newspapers were incomplete versions of the texts supplied and the authors...were kind enough to supply copies of their original manuscripts. Altogether, the quantity and interest of the material on hand assumed the proportions of a small publication' with contents that include a despatch sent by Rowland during his first diplomatic posting in Moscow. Written when Rowland was twenty-two years old, the 1947 despatch has been described as 'legendary'. (Source: Editor's note, verso of contents page)
