Correspondence with Francis Wrigley Hirst (1873-1953), journalist and writer, relating to discussion of an arrangement for a short period of employment for Hirst at the Manchester Guardian, with discussion of Hirst's other work commitments, and accompanied by related internal memoranda. Also included is discussion of articles by Hirst for publication in the Manchester Guardian on subjects including the army, naval armaments and expenditure, with reference to relations with Germany. Also included is discussion of Hirst's views on the neglect shown by the government for the resolutions in favour of military and naval economy passed by the National Liberal Federation, and discussion of prize money and the right of capture. There is a request by Scott to receive any letters from Hirst which are not intended for publication in the Economist from a trip by Hirst to Germany.
There is discussion of the Haldane mission, Anglo-German trade interests, alliances between Britain and France, and the importance of reaching an understanding with Germany. There is reference to the likelihood of Russia and Austria going to war, Hirst's views on a triple entente, and concerns relating to the potential outbreak of [the First World War].
There is an expression of thanks to Hirst for the recommendation of Hans Patzauer, civil servant, as occasional correspondent for the Manchester Guardian in Vienna, and discussion of arrangements for the publication of letters by [Robert Reid, Earl] Loreburn, lord chancellor, on [Sea Commerce in the time of War], with reference to London and provincial papers. Also included is a request by Scott that the financial part of the commercial supplement of the Manchester Guardian continue to be written by the staff of the Economist, which is accepted, with discussion of form, content and the impact of the war. There is a letter to the editor by Hirst, which includes condemnation of the leadership of the Liberal party, which is not accepted for publication.
There is an offer by Hirst for articles for publication in the Manchester Guardian from a book by Hirst on John Morley, viscount, politician and writer, which are accepted, with discussion of potential subjects for the articles including Ireland, the Boer War, Liberal imperialism, and India, length, and arrangements for publication. Also included is [a request by Hirst for Scott's recollections of Morley], which are provided, and clarification of the position of Hirst's articles in the Manchester Guardian in terms of copyright and syndication.
There is an offer by Hirst for a reminiscence on [Sir George] Trevelyan, politician and author [on the occasion of his death], which is accepted, and a request by Hirst that the Manchester Guardian send a reporter to cover a free trade demonstration. There is also reference to the exchange of letters between Hirst and [Arthur] Ransome, journalist and writer, and to a fishing expedition of Ransome's, and discussion of Scott's retirement as editor of the paper.
There is correspondence between Hirst and E.T. Scott, relating to discussion of articles by Hirst for publication in the Manchester Guardian, including an article in defence of free trade, and an [unknown] article which Hirst requests be published anonymously.
There are invitations meetings, and arrangements for E.T. Scott to stay with Hirst in London, and for discussion of the current political and financial outlook. There is reference to Hirst's ill health and recovery, and thanks from Hirst for a review of his book Gladstone as Financier and Economist, in the Manchester Guardian. There is discussion of [Walter] Runciman, politician, and the protection [policy on trade tariffs], and the free trade sentiment in Britain.
Also included is a request by Hirst for E.T. Scott to lend his name and support for a conference to promote free trade between nations, organised by Hirst, which is granted. Also included is an invitation to the conference for E.T. Scott, which is declined, and discussion of and thanks for the publication of a report on the conference in the Manchester Guardian. There is a request by Hirst for 200 copies of the Manchester Guardian for the conference, which are provided. There is also discussion of the decision to not extend an invitation to the conference to [David] Lloyd George, politician, with an explanation of the decision, and reference to comments made by Lloyd George on the subject.
GDN/A/H61/62 is a leaflet for the Conference to Promote Free Trade between Nations, 1932.
GDN/A/H61/6 is not present.