Correspondence with Leslie Hore-Belisha

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/H90
  • Dates of Creation
    • 25 Jul 1921-6 Oct 1943
  • Physical Description
    • 60 pieces; 63 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence between (Isaac) Leslie Hore-Belisha, Baron Hore-Belisha (1893-1957), politician, and W.P. Crozier, relating to an offer of articles by Hore-Belisha on the personal ascendency of the prime minister, cabinet responsibilities, and the power of the executive, for publication in the Manchester Guardian, which are rejected. Also included are internal memorandum discussing Hore-Belisha and his potential as a correspondent, with details of his previous experience, and a letter from Hore-Belisha discussing [David] Lloyd George and expressing a desire to write for the Manchester Guardian.

Also included is correspondence relating to multiple and frequent meetings between Hore-Belisha and Crozier in London, which are often held at breakfast, to discuss the current political affairs.

There is discussion of a request for information by Crozier relating [to the health of Stanley Baldwin, politician] for use as private guidance only, and of Hore-Belisha's attendance at the [coronation of King George VI]. There is discussion of Hore-Belisha's work as minister for transport, with reference to trunk roads, and also Hore-Belisha's proposals as secretary of state for war, with reference to articles on reforms for the army in the Manchester Guardian, with thanks for the coverage by Hore-Belisha, and a request by Crozier that Hore-Belisha provide memoranda on his aims for assistance in the coverage provided by the Manchester Guardian. There is reference to Crozier's approval of the news that the [Royal] Scots Greys [will not be mechanised], to proposals for the partition of Palestine, and to public opinion on the production of A-A [anti-aircraft guns?].

There is discussion of the end of Hore-Belisha's tenure as secretary of state for war, and the success of the reforms he has introduced, with a request for comments on the subject from Hore-Belisha, of the recent ministerial changes which have taken place within the government, of the press coverage of the military aspects of the Norwegian campaign [of the Second World War], and of the staff shortages at the Manchester Guardian which have occurred as a result of the war. There is also reference by Hore-Belisha to the progress of the war, and to the Beveridge Report.

Also included is correspondence relating to an explanation by Crozier as to the best time to provide reports for newspapers for publication, ways to prohibit the early release of reports and speeches, and the need to specify if new information is included. There is correspondence relating to the provision of praise by Hore-Belisha of the Manchester Guardian, with reference to its editorial stance, leader articles, and the conveyance of thanks for support provided, and for reports of speeches by Hore-Belisha which appear in the paper. There is also correspondence relating to the exchange of personal news, with reference to holidays, and periods of illness for both Hore-Belisha and Crozier.

There are concerns expressed by Hore-Belisha over the press coverage of the [Second World War], and of the House of Commons, with reference to the outbreak of the Greco-Italian war without the recall of parliament. There is discussion of Winston [Churchill], prime minister, the extent of his influence, and criticisms of Hore-Belisha made by Churchill, with reference to a parliamentary debate.

GDN/A/H90/32-33 are articles entitled 'Mr Hore-Belisha's army reforms' in the Manchester Guardian, 1939.

GDN/A/H90/7-8 are correspondence between William George Arthur Ormsby-Gore, fourth Baron Harlech (1885-1964), politician and banker, and W.P. Crozier, relating to a request by Crozier for a meeting with Ormsby-Gore, which is accepted.