Correspondence with Francesco Nitti (1868-1953), economist and prime minister of Italy, relating to an expression of thanks by Nitti for a review of his book, The Decadence of Europe: [the paths of reconstruction], and the provision of a copy of the new preface for the book's new edition. Also included is an offer by Nitti to write articles of international interest for the Manchester Guardian, which is accepted, with discussion of their provision in Italian or French. There is discussion of France's approach to the payment of reparations, armaments, the occupation of the Ruhr, and France's policy on Hungary, Greece and Turkey. Also includes are notes on the situation in Italy, with discussion of [Benito] Mussolini's appointment as prime minister, and the new fascist regime in Italy.
There is praise by Nitti of the Manchester Guardian, and discussion of Nitti's willingness to write articles for the paper, but not on the internal affairs of Italy, and of the provision of articles and their authentication. There is reference to Nitti's refusal to return to the Italian chamber [of deputies] under the present regime. Also included are related internal memoranda. There is correspondence relating to the publication of articles by Nitti on the relations between Britain and Italy, and the provision to Nitti of copies of the editions in which they are published.
There is correspondence relating to the destruction of Nitti's house [by supporters of the fascist regime], and a request by Nitti for the incident to be publicised in the Manchester Guardian, providing photographs of the damage, but also requesting that the articles do not attack the prestige of Italy. There is discussion of the censorship of the press coverage of the attack on Nitti's house, which is granted. There is also reference to Nitti's intention to move with his family to Switzerland.
There is discussion of the provision of further articles by Nitti for publication in the Manchester Guardian, and of an invitation by Nitti for Scott to visit him in Switzerland, which is declined. There is also reference to Nitti's views on the need for co-operation between Britain and America. There is an expression of thanks from Scott for the provision of [They Make a Desert] by Nitti, the provision of a copy of a review of the book published in the Manchester Guardian, and discussion of improvements in the situation in Europe, with reference to the Dawes [plan]. There is discussion of an offer by Nitti of articles on fascism by a former Italian minister, and the need for them to be signed to be of value to the paper, and of the current situation in Italy. There is correspondence relating to arrangements for a meeting between Nitti and Scott in England.
There is discussion of the employment by the Manchester Guardian of a resident correspondent in Rome, and a suggestion by Nitti of a regular Italian news service for the paper from Paris, which is declined. Also included is correspondence relating to the provision of a copy of Bolshevism, Fascism and Democracy by Nitti, with discussion of the book, and an offer by Nitti of articles on the League of Nations, which are accepted. There are also offers of articles on the financial situation in Italy, which is accepted, and an offer of an article on the financial difficulties of Spain, which is declined, with discussion of the political situation in Spain, and coverage of Spain in the Manchester Guardian.
GDN/A/N22/18 is an article entitled 'Una Dimostrazione Ostile Al Villino Dell'on Nitti', 1923. GDN/A/N22/14 is a translation of the article.