Record

Level	Item
Finding Number (Click this to view full catalogue structure)	JCLAdd/458
Title	Letter from Joseph Chamberlain to [Sir Michael] Hicks-Beach
Extent	1 item
Date	1898
Description	Letter written from Birmingham dated 5 January and marked 'Private'. Chamberlain writes to Hicks-Beach [1837-1916, politician and first Earl St Aldwyn] concerning the West Indies and West Africa. He argues that Hicks-Beach was too hasty in condemning the Colonial Office and Governor of the Gold Coast over the losses incurred during the 'Hinterland work'. He justifies the decisions made and costs involved, arguing that they were necessary to prevent the French and Germans 'from over-running the whole of our Hinterland'. He points out that it was difficult to communicate with the government and stresses the importance of further developing the telegraph system. He writes that he and Colonel Northcott have a hopeful outlook and expresses his belief that the Gold Coast will soon 'pay its way' due to its rich natural resources.
Access Status	Open
Physical Description	Photocopy

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