Correspondence with Sir John Fischer Williams

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/W53
  • Dates of Creation
    • 3 Oct 1914-28 Dec 1931
  • Physical Description
    • 65 pieces; 81 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Sir John Fischer Williams (1870-1947), international lawyer, relating to a request by Williams for a letter of credential as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian on a visit to France [during the First World war], which is provided, with discussion of potential subjects for articles.

Also included is correspondence relating to Williams' work as a member of the reparation commission, and discussion of the political situation in Europe, with reference to reparations, disarmament, Franco-German relations, Anglo-French relations, the Ruhr-Rhineland occupation, the League of Nations, the responses of British government, the political situation in France, relations between American and Europe, and Russo-Polish relations. There are extracts of letters written by Williams to Lady Catherine Courtney, social worker and internationalist, and extracts of letters from an [unknown] member of staff of the League of Nations, relating to the League of Nations, [George Nathaniel] Curzon, foreign secretary, and the Ruhr. There is also a letter from Williams to Charles [Trevelyan, politician], discussing the [occupation of the] Saar, and a speech on the subject by [Trevelyan], and a letter sent to Scott by Courtney by Professor [?] Fleureqs on the political situation in France.

There is discussion of a suggestion by Williams that Scott and the Manchester Guardian might communicate with the left wing press in France, of the potential for an exchange of articles between the Manchester Guardian and L'Oeuvre, and that the articles should be written by Gilbert Murray, classical scholar and internationalist. Also included is Scott's approval of the idea, but with the suggestion that the articles should be published in The Observer or the Daily News, as the Manchester Guardian is considered too radical in France. There is correspondence relating to a letter to the editor of the Manchester Guardian by Sir John Bradbury, civil servant, in response to an article which referred to Bradbury's views on German capacity, with discussion of the situation in Germany, and a request by Scott for an indication of the measures available to British Government with regards to Germany.

Also included is discussion of proportional representation and views expressed by [David] Lloyd George, prime minister, with relation to a second ballot, with a request that Scott discuss the subject with Lloyd George, which is granted. There is a memorandum entitled 'P.R., The Alternative Vote and Groups' by [John H.?] Humphries, director of the Proportional Representation Society, and a letter to Robert Dell, journalist, at Williams' behest, requesting that he provide articles on the importance of proportional representation in relation to changes in French electoral law. There is also discussion of the French legislative elections, the Dawes report, and requests by Scott for articles from Williams on the [Geneva] protocol, and the introduction of fixed terms for the British parliament, which are declined. There is reference to an article by Williams on the legal position regarding the evacuation of the Rhineland, and a request that Lloyd George should see the article, which is granted. Also included is discussion of a book by Williams [Current International Law and the League of Nations], and a letter of introduction to Scott for [James Wilford] Garner, professor of law and political science.

There is a letter of appreciation from Williams to Scott on the occasion of [Scott's retirement], with praise of the Manchester Guardian, and discussion of the assistance that Williams' observations on the situation in Europe have given to the paper. There is also an enquiry from Scott regarding the legal position with reference to the powers of the Inter-Allied Rhineland Commission if British forces are withdrawn from the Rhineland.

There is also correspondence between Williams and E.T. Scott, relating a suggestion by Williams that notices of the decisions of the Permanent Court of International Justice be published in the Manchester Guardian, with discussion of the form in which the reports are sent, and accompanied by related internal memoranda. There is a request for an article by Williams on the League of Nations refusal to recognise changes brought about by force in breach of the [League of Nations] covenant, with reference to Manchuria.