Correspondence with Patrick Lacey

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/L1
  • Dates of Creation
    • 14 Mar 1927-15 Oct 1940
  • Physical Description
    • 40 pieces; 60 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Patrick Lacey, journalist, relating to Lacey's employment as a sub editor at the Manchester Guardian, with details of salary. Also included is a letter from Beryl [Domen?] Robinson, relating to concerns for Lacey's welfare. There is discussion of Lacey's resignation in order to take up a position at The Statesman in Calcutta.

There is also correspondence relating to contributions made by Lacey to the Manchester Guardian from India, with reference to statements obtained from leading Indian [officials], and an offer by Lacey to provide information on an Anglo-American expedition to the Himalayas, accompanied by related internal memoranda on payment for contributions. There is discussion of a potential campaign against Lord Irwin [Edward Frederick Lindley Wood], politician and diplomat, Viceroy of India, in the Daily Express. There is a request for assistance for Bhupendra Nath Datta Roy, in his attempt to raise enough money to be called to the bar in England, and the suggestion by Lacey that R.C. Bonnerji write articles for the Manchester Guardian on India, with details of Bonnerji's previous association with E.T. and J.R. Scott, which is acknowledged.

There is correspondence relating to discussion of reports of atrocities committed by the police in India, propaganda and censorship in the Indian and international press, of the Manchester Guardian's coverage of police behaviour, and a request by E.T. Scott that Lacey make enquiries to into witness accounts of the methods of the Indian police. There is discussion of a speech made by [Winston] Churchill, politician in India, independence for India, and the appointment of a new viceroy, [Freeman Freeman-Thomas, first marquess of Willingdon]. There is an expression of concern by Lacey over the stance taken by the Manchester Guardian with relation to Indian independence, with discussion of the [Indian National] Congress.

There is an application for re-employment by Lacey at the Manchester Guardian in England, which is declined. Also included is discussion of Lacey's potential return to Calcutta, and employment opportunities, with a request for a reference for Lacey from W.P. Crozier for the position of news editor for All India Radio, the service of the Indian government, which is provided. There is also an internal memorandum on Lacey's application for employment at the Manchester Guardian [during the Second World War.]

GDN/A/L1/24 is an internal employment history index card for Lacey, 1931.

GDN/A/L1/19-22 are articles discussing the behaviour of the Indian police, in the Manchester Guardian, and [The Statesman], 1930.

GDN/A/L1/27 is an article entitled 'De Tenebris' reflecting on the year since Independence Day was celebrated in India, in [The Statesman], 1930.