From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Strict security protocol for the handling and custody of a special car's bonnet key.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\4\ scan0185 | |
| Date | 20th March 1924 | |
| 49770 CJS/E21.1.24. I have received the key of the bonnet of Car No..... I have read CJ's memorandum of the 21st. Jan. and realise that under no circumstances whatever must I open the bonnet in the face of any person, no matter whether that person may be my closest friend or relation. I realise that I am entrusted with secret knowledge of a very precious nature and that by disclosing the secret I may be doing vast financial harm to the share- holders and to my colleagues. I will not part with the key unless I receive a receipt similarly worded to the one which I now sign from the person to whom I entrust it. ------------------ CJS/E20.3.24. The holder of the key should send, in an envelope marked 'Secret', addressed to me, or in my absence to the General Manager daily a return showing :- Firstly, a precise record of the people who were driven on this car during the 24 hours concerned. Secondly, the occasions on which the bonnet was opened and what were the surroundings of the car whereby it was impossible for the contents of the bonnet to be seen. NOTE: Thirdly, where the car was garaged. It is desirable that the car should never be garaged in public garages situated in large centres of motoring but should rather be taken to some country inn and locked up in a coach-house. Sgd............... KR [illegible signature] 21/1/24 | ||