Correspondence with Alexander Wilson

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/W59
  • Dates of Creation
    • 27 Apr 1912-20 Dec 1930
  • Physical Description
    • 21 pieces; 30 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Alec Wilson, businessman, justice of the peace and writer, relating to the employment of Wilson as an occasional correspondent for the Manchester Guardian on Ulster, with discussion of the requirements of the role, the political situation in Ireland, and Wilson's perspective as an Ulster Unionist. Also included is a letter of recommendation from Roger Casement, diplomatist and Irish rebel. There is an offer of an article by Wilson, and also an offer to recommend a more regular correspondent for the paper in Belfast, both of which are accepted.

There is discussion of home rule for Ireland and a potential referendum on the subject, the Ulster Covenant, and the Home Rule Bill, with a request by Scott for a letter to the editor by Wilson with suggested amendments to the bill, [which is granted], and proposed alterations to the letter which is provided. Also included is a request for an article by Wilson on the proposed exclusion [of Ulster from the Home Rule Bill], which is declined, with reference to Wilson's concern about any actions which might prejudice negotiations for a settlement, and discussion of the situation in Belfast. There is also a request by Scott for a private communication on the subject, which is granted.

There is reference to a request from Scott for Wilson to resume providing occasional contributions to the Manchester Guardian, and a request by Wilson for a testimonial in support of an application for the position of director of the Dublin Wireless Station, which is granted, with discussion of Wilson's business affairs.

GDN/A/W59/6 is an internal employment history index card for Wilson, 1912.

GDN/A/W59/20 is an article on a speech to be given by Wilson entitled 'The Freedom of the Seas' in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, 1930.

GDN/A/W59/21 is an article entitled 'Business Men and The League; Mr Alec Wilson and the Necessity for Economic Peace' in the Reading [Standard?], 1930.