Correspondence with T. Okey

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/O6
  • Dates of Creation
    • 28 Sep 1911-2 Dec 1926
  • Physical Description
    • 9 pieces

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Thomas Okey (1852-1935), basket-maker and Italian scholar, relating to thanks from Scott for an [unknown] article, and confirmation that the Manchester Guardian would be happy to receive information from Okey on the political conditions in Spain and Portugal. There is discussion of a potential article for the paper by Okey from information drawn from the Italian statistical annual.

Also included is internal correspondence relating to a report from Okey on a visit to England of [Polazzoli?], a representative of the radical and socialist bloc of Italy, and his proposal that France should give up its control of Tunis to Italy in exchange for Italy entering the [First World War], with discussion of relations between Italy, France and Germany. There is discussion of the political situation in Italy, fascism, and the censorship of the Italian press under [Benito] Mussolini, prime minister of Italy, and an offer of an article on the economic value of colonies in Africa.

There is reference to Okey's new position as professor of Italian studies at the University of Cambridge, and the difficulty of writing about Italian politics, as it is not possible to express his real views in the current climate. There is an offer of an article by Okey on fascism and Italy, which is declined, owing to similar material already published in the paper.