Letter from Alfred Emmott [to Manchester Transvaal Committee?]

  • Reference
    • GB 133 MTC/53
  • Dates of Creation
    • 10 Sep 1899
  • Physical Description
    • 1 sheet

Scope and Content

Letter from Alfred Emmott, Baron Emmott (1858-1926), politician and cotton manufacturer, [to Manchester Transvaal Committee?] blaming the diplomacy of [Joseph] Chamberlain, politician, for the Transvaal crisis, particularly his speech at Highbury, wondering whether there are grounds for breaking the [London] Convention of 1884, and suggesting that those desiring war seek the primacy of Britain in South Africa. Appreciating the difficulties caused in the Transvaal by the influx [of the Uitlanders] into the gold mines, he believes that the Boers have shown a willingness to resolve the franchise question. Emmott fears an [anti-war] Committee will have little effect at this stage, either there will be war or Chamberlain's policy of bluff will succeed, and declining the invitation to join [the Manchester Transvaal Committee] as he is away from home.