| Description | Correspondence, arranged in approximate chronological order, to Joseph Chamberlain from a variety of correspondents [mainly unofficial correspondents comprising residents of Great Britain] but including his political colleagues, commerical representatives, members of the clergy and of the press, and representatives of political associations, relating to allegations levelled in the press in response to a War Office Contracts Committee Report highlighting potential conflict of interests between Government ministers and their associations with armament companies [in receipt of Government contracts to supply the imperial forces in Boer War], most especially the relations between Chamberlain and Kynochs [Birmingham armaments company chaired by his brother Arthur], and subsequent Parliamentary amendments moved by Lloyd George and Keir Hardie; most of the correspondence comprises expressions of support, commendations for Chamberlain's work, and congratulations for speech by Chamberlain in the House of Commons refuting the accusations; with memoranda of James Louis Garvin [biographer of Joseph Chamberlain] relating to Kynochs scandal for use in biography, telegram copies, memoranda, printed material [including press cuttings], and wrappers
Including /1 Letter from Edward Clarke, Charles F. Gill and Mr Matthews relating to articles concerning Chamberlain's associations with Kynochs and possibility of libel action, Nov 1900; /3 Letter from S. John England expressing support for Chamberlain, Dec 1900; /15 Letter from Lord Esher [Reginald Baliol Brett Esher, 2nd Viscount Esher: MP; Sec to HM Office of Works, 1895-1902] congratulating Chamberlain on his speech and extending his support, Dec 1900; /21 Letter from Rev. W. Goodall [Rural Dean of Rotheram] expressing his sympathy for Chamberlain's position, Dec 1900; /25 Letter from Lord Onslow [William Hillier Onslow, 4th Earl of Onslow: MP; Under-Sec of State for India, 1895-1900] expressing support, Dec 1900; /16 Letter from Mrs J. Whitfield [Birmingham] expressing support, Dec 1900; /29 Letter from Walter Sendall [Colonial Governor] offering support, Dec 1900; /33 Letter from Hubert Slack [Bag Merchant, Batley] expressing support, Dec 1900; /41 Letter from R. W. Forrest [Dean of Worcester] expressing support, Dec 1900; /58 Letter from the Duke of Abercorn [James Hamiton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn: Chairman, British South Africa Company] congratulating Chamberlain on his speech, Dec 1900; /78 Letter from Lloyd George relating to companies cited by him in his Parliamentary amendment, Dec 1900; /79 Printed extract [?from 'Hansard'] relating to amendments of Lloyd George and Keir Hardie, and memoranda by Joseph Chamberlain relating to his speech in the House of Commons, 1900; /80-83 Correspondence from John St. Loe Strachey [journalist, editor, 'The Spectator'] relating to colonial matters and accusations regarding Chamberlain's associations with Kynochs, with press cutting, Mar-Aug 1900 |