Correspondence with David Lloyd George

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/L59
  • Dates of Creation
    • 28 Jul 1905-9 May 1938
  • Physical Description
    • 37 pieces; 42 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with David Lloyd George, first Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor (1863-1945), prime minister, relating to the Welsh position letter written by Lloyd George for the Manchester Guardian, with discussion of the provision of reports of meetings and conferences in Wales, and Scott's understanding of Lloyd George's inability to continue with the role owing to other commitments.

There is correspondence relating to Scott's concern over an upcoming debate on Ireland, and urging Lloyd George to put the Home Rule Act into operation, as Scott fears there may be fresh outbreak of violence if nothing is done. He also urges that nothing be said in the debate about the permanent division of Ireland. There is discussion of Lloyd George's approval of a proposed series of articles on the causes and remedies for the trade depression, and Lloyd George's views on the need for co-operation throughout Europe. There is a letter of introduction from Scott to Lloyd George for Sadik Bey Heinen, civil servant, with discussion of his position in Egypt, and a letter of recommendation for George Armstrong, journalist, for employment at the [Daily Chronicle].

There is discussion of the end of the coalition government in 1922, and Scott's advice to Lloyd George to take his own political course, ignoring all attacks and concentrating on constructive work. There is an expression of approval by Scott for Lloyd George's views on party relations, and arrangements for a meeting between Lloyd George and Scott.

There is a request by Lloyd George for publicity in the Manchester Guardian for a [Coal and Power] report from an enquiry over which Lloyd George has presided, which is granted. There is also correspondence relating to the provision of private and early copy of a report on [the Land Reform proposals], with discussion of Lloyd George's hopes of reaching an agreement on the recommendations of the report. There is reference to Lloyd George's views on Ramsay MacDonald and the Dawes [Committee], with praise of articles on the subject which appeared in the Manchester Guardian. There is discussion of the a letter by Lloyd George which was lost in a train fire on the way to Manchester, and prevented Scott from following Lloyd George's suggestion that he send a reporter to the National Liberal Federation conference on land reform, with discussion of the potential outcomes of the conference. There is also correspondence relating to the proposal that a Liberal candidate be chosen to stand against Joseph Kenworthy, politician, [following his defection to the Labour party], and the damage this may do to relations with the Labour party.

There is correspondence relating to a request that a letter to the editor by Lloyd George be printed in the Manchester Guardian, refuting references made in the paper as to the seat chosen by Lloyd George at the Liberal convention. There is provision by Scott of a letter to Lloyd George on the evacuation of the Rhineland as a question of law by Sir John Fischer Williams, international lawyer, and also discussion of arrangements for Scott to act as a convener for an unofficial Liberal dinner. There is reference to a message to be sent by Lloyd George for in support of Manchester Civic Week.

There is discussion of the way in which the Manchester Guardian will cover voting reform, with an inability to commit to support for a position in advance, and of the proposed coverage of the Coal Bill, which the paper must support, as an advocate of Liberal-Labour co-operation, though Scott knows that this will not meet with Lloyd George's approval.

There is also correspondence between Lloyd George and E.T. Scott, relating to apologies for missing a message from Lloyd George whilst in London. Also included is an enquiry as to whether Lloyd George would like to make a statement on the government proposals for the Education Bill, and discussion of potential difficulties in relation to the bill, and requests for interviews with Lloyd George on the general election of 1931 and the outlook for the new parliament, and on the current affairs in Ireland, with reference to the proposed policies of Eamon De Valera, taoiseach and president of Èire. There is a letter of thanks from E.T. Scott for the provision of [The Truth About] Reparations and War Debts by Lloyd George, and the provision of articles on the subject in the Manchester Guardian in exchange.

There is correspondence between Lloyd George and W.P. Crozier, relating to an expression of thanks by Lloyd George for the provision of articles in the Manchester Guardian on the trial at the Old Bailey of for setting a fire in protest at the RAF training base at Penyberth, with discussion of the Welsh nationalist movement. Also included is discussion of arrangements for a potential meeting between Lloyd George and Crozier.