Correspondence with Sir Francis Patrick Fletcher-Vane, fifth baronet (1861-1934), army officer and boy scout leader, relating to discussion of Fletcher-Vane's work in South Africa, his disagreements with the authorities and desire to make his information on the situation public to help to produce change, accompanied by internal memoranda discussing Fletcher-Vane, and with reference to additional coverage of the coronation in the Manchester Guardian, and details of work in the London office.
There is a request by Fletcher-Vane that a letter to Signor Luigi Villari, relating to Villari's views on the political situation in Italy be published in the Manchester Guardian, which is declined. There is discussion of Fletcher-Vane's experience as head of the Scouts in Italy, and a related internal memorandum. Also included is correspondence relating to a letter to the editor by Fletcher-Vane which protests against grey hound racing, with suggestions for edits and omissions prior to publication, and accompanied by a related internal memorandum.
There is correspondence relating to a request by Fletcher-Vane for assistance in the employment of his nephew, Douglas Harker, with discussion of Harker, who has just left school, and his ambitions to become a journalist. Flatcher-Vane presses for an apprenticeship, and there are arrangements for a meeting between Harker and E.T. Scott, but employment is refused owing to lack of experience. There is also related correspondence with Douglas Harker, including a note of information on a car accident which is presented for use by the Manchester Guardian. There is reference to the publication and review of Fletcher-Vane's memoirs, entitled Agin the Government: Memoirs and Adventures of Sir Francis Fletcher-Vane.
There is discussion of a campaign by Fletcher-Vane to 'wake up England', and discussion of his feeling that the young men of the country must be galvanised following the war, concerns relating to trade, and a request that Scott assist in advising the campaign, which is refused. Also included is discussion of Fletcher-Vane's work with the Scouts, and an extract of a letter from a former scout, Harold Inglesand, praising Fletcher-Vane's influence.