In 1940, the organisation entered its tenth year, and The Keys had appeared without interruption from its inception until the outbreak of the Second World War. During the War, The Keys was suspended, and friends and supporters were asked to content themselves with copies of the monthly Letters which were published under 'the hum of hostile plans and the boom of friendly guns'. The Letters continued to consider the issues of race and racism that Black people face, as well as the experiences of Black people who were living through the London Blitz. (Letter no 7, April 1940, p3; Letter no 14, November 1940, p25, p31)

One article looked at how many people from the Black community had become Wardens, Auxiliary Fire Service men, members of Stretcher Parties, First Aid Units, and mobile canteens. Among those who kept London going were men such as 'Buzz' Barton. He was a well known Jamaican boxer who had made his mark in England, and during the war became a First Aid worker in London. This contribution of the Black community to the defence of London should, the journal maintained, be given the greatest degree of publicity possible. The participation of the Black population relative to its numbers was said to be considerable, a contribution which the League hoped would not be forgotten, but it now seems to be a little remembered fact. (Letter no 15, December 1940, p67-88)

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