Correspondence with Sir Roger Casement

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/C25
  • Dates of Creation
    • 17 Apr-12 Dec 1912
  • Physical Description
    • 20 pieces; 30 sheets GDN/A/C25/2-3, 8 are in a delicate condition.

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Sir Roger Casement (1864-1916), diplomatist and Irish rebel, relating to discussion of current opinion and political climate in Ireland, and particularly in Ulster, following a request by Scott that Casement write letters on the subject during a visit to Belfast. There is detailed discussion of Edward Carson, the [Ulster], and the need for Home Rule in Ireland. Also included is correspondence relating to a later request by Casement that the letters written on Ireland and Ulster are not published, or appear anonymously, owing to concern that the expression of public opinions might jeopardise his position at the Foreign Office, which is accepted by Scott, who requests permission to publish excerpts of the letters in the London correspondence of the Manchester Guardian. Also included are internal memoranda discussing the subject.

There is reference to the difficulty of obtaining the Manchester Guardian in Belfast, and Casement's desire that it should be more widely available in Ireland, general discussion of newspapers in Ireland, and a request for permission to introduce Scott to [James] Goode, a journalist whom Casement holds in high regard.

There is correspondence relating to discussion of the religious and political situation in Turkey and Armenia [during the first Balkan War].

Also included is correspondence relating to the review of books by Casement for the Manchester Guardian, including [In] Jesuit Land [The Jesuit Missions of Paraguay, by W.H. Koebel], and The Putumayo; The Devil's Paradise [by W.E. Hardenburg], with discussion of an article by Casement on slavery in the new world, produced in response to The Devil's Paradise. The article is to be published in the Manchester Guardian strictly anonymously, as Casement is due to be examined by the [House of Commons] Select Committee [investigation of Putumayo Atrocities].

There is a letter of recommendation for Casement as a correspondent on Ireland from Alice Stopford Green, historian and Irish nationalist.