Correspondence between George Lowther Steer (1909-1944), journalist and army intelligence officer, and E.T. Scott, relating to a request by Steer for financial assistance for and to write articles for the Manchester Guardian from a proposed visit to Manchuria. There are arrangements for a meeting between Steer and E.T. Scott, and internal memoranda discussing Steer, and an offer of financial assistance made for the venture by E.T. Scott. There is reference to the decision not to commission Steer, but with the suggestion that he might send descriptive articles from the trip for consideration. Also included is an outline of Steer's previous experience, a statement of account for Steer from The Standard Bank of South Africa, and discussion of the decision to postpone the trip, owing to a lack of financial support.
There is discussion of the provision by Steer of an article by Warren Swire, merchant and businessman, on the situation in Manchuria, which is accepted for publication in the paper. Also included are internal memoranda discussing the subject. There is a letter from V.K. Ting, merchant, to Charles Archibald Rose, diplomat and businessman, discussing the Sino-Japanese conflict, and the political situation in Manchuria, accompanied by a note from Steer which states that the letter is not for publication. There is also correspondence between Sydney Haldane Olivier, civil servant, politician, and author, and E.T. Scott, relating to discussion of Steer, and a request by Olivier for assistance with Steer's visit to Manchuria.