Correspondence with Sir William Ramsay

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/R5
  • Dates of Creation
    • 28 Mar 1910-19 Oct 1925
  • Physical Description
    • 41 pieces; 53 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Sir William Mitchell Ramsay (1851-1939), classical scholar and archaeologist, relating to an offer of articles by Ramsay from a visit to Constantinople and Turkey, which are accepted, with discussion of potential subjects for articles, the political situation in Turkey and Ramsay's travel plans, with reference to his recent book The Revolution in Constantinople and Turkey; a diary. Also included is a letter of accreditation for Ramsay as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian in Turkey.

There is further discussion of the situation in Turkey, of Ramsay's visit, of Sir Gerald Lowther, British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire and of a meeting between Scott and Ramsay. Also included is an offer of further articles from another visit to Constantinople, which are accepted, with a request for them to include discussion of the policies of the dominant men and party in Turkey, and reference to the Turkish army. There is discussion of further articles by Ramsay on the situation in Turkey, and of the Italo-Turkish war, and the [Second Balkan War], with requests by Scott for additional articles on these subjects. There is also correspondence relating to political affairs in Europe, and Ramsay's concerns about impending war.

Also included is discussion of relations between Armenia and Turkey, concerns regarding potential massacres in Armenia, and suggestions of potential ways that assistance might be provided by Europe, with a request for articles on the subject from Ramsay. There is an offer by Ramsay of articles on the enthusiasm in America for education, which are accepted.

Also included is a request from Scott for an article on the future of the Turkish empire, and condolences on the death of Ramsay's son [during the First World War.] There is a request for articles on the present condition of Turkey, following the [First World] war, which is granted, with a request in return from Ramsay for assistance in obtaining a visa and permission from the foreign office for a return to Turkey as a correspondent for the paper, which is granted. There is discussion of the difficulties involved in the process, and of assistance provided by the Manchester Guardian in obtaining permission to travel. Also included is further discussion of the political situation in Turkey.

There is a request by Ramsay that the Manchester Guardian publish a notice of a book, Idealism and Foreign Policy, by Ramsay's daughter, Anna Augusta Whittall Ramsay. Also included is discussion of the autobiography of [Lord Edward] Grey, viscount and politician, and of his performance as foreign secretary.

GDN/A/R5/1 is an internal employment history index card for Ramsay, 1910.