In response to Lionel Gooch’s letter in the Echo of October 5 regarding our forthcoming film “Lawrence: After Arabia”.

The film tells the story of the last years of Lawrence’s life including earlier events (childhood cruelty, PTSD, friendships), which influenced his life. It does of course examine the motorcycle crash but is not the whole focus. The crash is viewed as an accident and as a potential assassination. We then let the viewer decide.

Having examined the information I can see both sides.

Yes, it could well have been an accident however there is no denying that there is huge volume of evidence where a conspiracy cannot be ignored. Lawrence’s uncompromising nature had made him many enemies who might have wanted him removed for a number of reasons.

The incident is undoubtedly a polarising subject amongst locals.

Some say that “he rode around the lanes far to fast” but just as many others say that it was not the case.

There is a huge strength of belief in both views. Whichever the facts both possibilities (either accident or assassination) are, “not proven”.

History allows us to view the incident with a “long view” in the context of the present. We have learnt that governments sometimes lie. In 1935 when Lawrence died that a government might be “economical with truth” was totally inconceivable!

Yet now we know that it is a possibility. History teaches us that there is everything to gain in re-examining events either to learn from the past or to refute the established truth.

The film is a celebration of Lawrence’s life.

It also examines his “silent passing” and asks whether the established story is (or is not) the truth. We should have nothing to fear from such an approach but the fear of learning.

MARK JT GRIFFIN

Producer/Director/Writer, Lawrence After Arabia