Correspondence with Arthur Michell Ransome (1884-1967), journalist and writer, relating to Ransome's employment as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian on Russia, with discussion of the political situation in Russia, and reference to a memorandum by Ransome on the subject, and to a book by Ransome, [Six Weeks in Russia in 1919]. There is discussion of Ransome's salary and terms of employment. Also included is discussion of assistance provided by Ants Piip, diplomat and politician, in securing a visa for Ransome for travel to Estonia, arrangements for the journey, and discussion of the peace talks between Estonia and Russia.
There is a suggestion by Scott that that Ransome should go to Poland as a correspondent for the paper, which is rejected, with discussion of the political situation in Poland, and an offer to continue to provide material on Russia from Estonia, which is accepted with reference to Ransome's continuing visits to Russia. There is correspondence relating to the terms of Ransome's continued employment by the Manchester Guardian, and of the termination of his employment owing to the paper shortage. There are internal memoranda providing information on Ransome's work as a reviewer for the paper, and on payments for his contributions 1925-1927. Also included is discussion of the cancellation of a visit by J.R. Scott to Russia, and of the need to delay the production of a publication [on Russia] owing to the current relations between the British and Russian governments.
There is correspondence relating to arrangements for a visit to Egypt by Ransome as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian. There is also correspondence relating to Ransome's visit to China as a correspondent for the paper, with discussion of his experiences there, of the situation in China, and British-Chinese relations. There is a request by Scott for a further visa for Ransome for a visit to Russia, and also discussion of Ransome's resignation from employment by the paper in order to continue to write books.
There is correspondence between Ransome and E.T. Scott, relating to a request by E.T. Scott that Ransome agree to write a weekly Saturday article for the Manchester Guardian, which is accepted, with discussion of arrangements for receipt, length, content, payment for the articles, and the column's title. Also included is correspondence relating to the cessation of a fishing column written by Ransome entitled 'Rod and Line', and his continuing to provide occasional articles on the subject for the paper. There are internal memoranda relating to Ransome's work as a reviewer of books on fishing, of the resumption of his provision of Saturday articles, once his health has improved, and a summary of Ransome's work for the Manchester Guardian.
There is discussion of Ransome providing potential holiday cover for the paper as a leader writer, and also of a visit to Egypt by Ransome as a correspondent for the paper, with reference to arrangements for receiving information, and accompanied by related internal memoranda. There is a request that Ransome provide articles on motoring in the north-west for publication in the paper, and discussion of an option on a boat arranged by Ransome for E.T. Scott. There is also a personal letter written by W.P. Crozier to Ransome on the death of E.T. Scott.
There is correspondence between Alastair Hetherington and Yevgeniya Ransome, wife of Ransome, relating to a request by Hetherington for an interview with Ransome to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Russian revolution, which is declined, owing to the deteriorated state of Ransome's health.
There are letters of accreditation for Ransome as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian for Estonia, Lithuania, Finland and Russia, and also as a correspondent in the Near East.
GDN/A/R9/15 is an internal employment history index card for Ransome, 1925.
GDN/A/R9/53 is an article on Ransome's receipt of the Carnegie Medal in Newspaper World, 1937.