The Anglo-German Association (AGA)
Prince Philip's speech, widely reported in Germany and Britain, was delivered at the Annual Dinner of the Anglo-German Association (AGA). Founded in November 1951, it has proved invaluable for the development of friendship between the two countries. Like similar bodies for the promotion of good relations between Britain and other countries, it was intended to be primarily British in membership and direction.
The AGA originated with a letter to the Times newspaper, published on 15 December 1951, and supported by a leading article. The letter was signed by 22 prominent personalities, politicians and academics already well-known for their efforts at reconciliation. Among them were the former Ministers for Germany of the Labour Government then in office, Lord Pakenham (the Earl of Longford) and John Hynd, Lords Hailsham, Henderson, Beveridge, Russell, Lindsay of Birker, Sir Robert Birley, headmaster of Eton and closely linked with German educational reconstruction, the Bishop of Chichester Dr George Bell, who during the War had condemned the British policy of indiscriminate bombing of German cities, Lady Violet Bonham-Carter, Wilson Harris, editor of the Spectator, writers like Harold Nicolson, Desmond MacCarthy, the historian G.P. Gooch, the publisher Victor Gollancz, a Jew and in regard to defeated Germany the very embodiment of the good Samaritan, Sir Gilbert Murray, the classical scholar.
The first two Presidents of the Association were distinguished soldiers -- Fieldmarshal Lord Alexander of Tunis and General Lord Robertson of Oakridge, the third Sir Frank Roberts.
