Correspondence with J. Ramsay MacDonald

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/M7
  • Dates of Creation
    • 17 Aug 1920-29 Jul 1931
  • Physical Description
    • 21 pieces; 27 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with (James) Ramsay MacDonald (1866-1937), prime minister, relating to articles by MacDonald on Italy for publication in the Manchester Guardian, with discussion of Italian politics, and the position in Armenia and Georgia. Also included is correspondence relating to the reporting of speeches by MacDonald in the press during the [general] election of 1923, some of which were not sent out by the press association, with discussion of relations between the Liberal and Labour parties, the election, and the position of the Liberal party. There is internal correspondence relating to the favourable impression made by MacDonald in a speech to English and American journalists at the [Foreign Office], with a summary of the speech made.

There is discussion of an apology by Scott for not keeping in closer touch with MacDonald during the latter part of his ministry, and a request to arrange a meeting. There is a telegram from Scott to MacDonald, with a request for his assistance in preventing the shutting down of the press [caused by the general strike, 1926]. Also included is correspondence relating to an offer by MacDonald to act as a mediator between the Manchester Guardian and the Trades Union Congress and [Typographical Association] in a dispute relating to arrangements for compulsory arbitration and the paper's open shop policy, with discussion of the issues and arrangements for MacDonald to meet with J.R. Scott to discuss the subject.

There is correspondence relating to discussion of the [Geneva] protocol, and MacDonald's views on arbitration, sanctions and disarmament, with reference to the difficulties of maintaining peace boundaries. There is also discussion of a compliant by MacDonald relating to the accuracy of the reporting of speeches and statements by MacDonald in the press, with reference to the by-election in Ashton as an example.

There correspondence relating to the conveyance of condolences to the family of J.G. Hamilton, journalist, on his death, from MacDonald, and also a tribute by MacDonald to Scott on his retirement. There is a letter from Scott declining an offer of political honours from MacDonald, and also the suggestion of the conferring of an honour to [Mary Tout] historian and campaigner for the development of women's education, as posthumous recognition for the work of her husband, Thomas Frederick Tout, historian.

GDN/A/M7/12-13 are articles on MacDonald's adoption as the prospective Labour candidate for Seaham, in the Manchester Guardian and the Northern Echo, 1928.