Correspondence with William T. Goode

This material is held atUniversity of Manchester Library

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/G27
  • Dates of Creation
    • 11 Feb 1918-28 Oct 1926
  • Physical Description
    • 25 pieces; 36 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with William T. Goode, relating to discussion of Goode's employment as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian in Finland, arranged at the request of the foreign office, with arrangements for the provision of articles, communication and letters of credential. There is discussion of Goode leaving Finland following the closure of the Finnish frontier, difficulties regarding communication, and the Bolshevik forces [following the Finnish civil war].

There is correspondence relating to discussion of Goode's visit to the Baltic provinces as a correspondent of the Manchester Guardian, at Scott's request, and with the assistance of the foreign office. There is discussion of Goode's journey to Estonia, and attempts to cross the border into Russia and Finland. Also included is correspondence with Harold Grenfell, naval captain, relating to discussion of the situation in Finland, and the Balkans, and to concern over the detainment of Goode by the British authorities during his travels. A copy of a letter from a contact of Goode and Grenfell's in Estonia is included, relating to concern at an inability to contact or locate Goode on his travels following his crossing the border into Russia.

There is correspondence between Scott and Lord [George Nathaniel] Curzon, [1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston], foreign secretary, relating to Goode's detention by the British naval authorities, and a request from Curzon that Scott provide assurances that Goode will not use information gathered in Russia to create trouble in Britain. Scott provides information on Goode's credentials, and asks for the justification of Goode's detainment. Following Goode's release, there is further correspondence relating to a request by Scott for an explanation of events, and for an apology to be issued to Goode. Also included is correspondence relating to the provision of expenses for the trip to Goode, and praise by Scott of the articles written during difficult circumstances.

There are letters of introduction from Goode and Grenfell for Arthur Cotter, philologist, containing a request for a meeting between Scott and Cotter to discuss the situation in Finland, and for Cotter to act as a potential correspondent for the Manchester Guardian in Finland. There are arrangements for a meeting between Scott and Goode, and a letter of congratulation from Goode [on Scott's 80th birthday], containing praise of the Manchester Guardian, and discussion its influence in Europe.

GDN/A/G27/8 is an internal employment history index card for Goode, 1918.

GDN/A/G27/5-7 are articles by [Goode] entitled 'Why Finland Counts', parts 1-3 in the Manchester Guardian, 1918.