During his trial, in late 1962, Mandela asked his lawyers Joe Slovo and Bob Hepple to destroy the journals of his trip through Africa, containing his thoughts on guerrilla warfare, and other documents that were held at Liliesleaf. Ruth First suggested that Arthur Goldreich keep the documents safe. He decided to hide the journals in the coal shed at Liliesleaf.

At the time of the raid, Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island and there was therefore no evidence to link him to the activities of Liliesleaf. When the police discovered the journals and recognised Mandela’s handwriting they clapped their hands with joy. The police had their case.