London, Mar 2 : A "sarcastic" letter written by former British PM Winston Churchill to Welsh language campaigners is expected to fetch 2000 pounds when it goes under the hammer.

In a letter written on December 3 1941, Welsh language campaigners demanded to meet Churchill in lieu of their petition, asking to put the language on the same footing as English in all public services, during World War II.

The petition also demanded to repeal laws preventing Welsh from being used in the Welsh Law Courts.

According to the Telegraph, Churchill wrote in response to the letter: "Much as I should like to meet the deputation of the Welsh Parliamentary Party, I regret that, owing to the many tasks which fall to my lot at this time, it is impossible for me to arrange a date."

The previously unpublished letters will be auctioned off at a Mullocks Auction at Ludlow Racecourse in Shropshire on March 5. (ANI)