Correspondence with J.H. Oldham

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 GDN/A/O7
  • Dates of Creation
      31 Dec [1927]-6 Oct 1929
  • Physical Description
      11 pieces; 15 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Joseph Houldsworth Oldham (1874-1969), missionary, relating to arrangements for a meeting between Oldham and E.T. Scott, suggested by Cecil Delisle Burns, secularist writer and lecturer. Also included is correspondence relating to an enquiry by Oldham about communication between the Manchester Guardian staff and Major [Eric?] Dutton, who implied that Oldham had leaked information about a [East Africa] report, and assurances that this is not the case.

There is a request by Oldham for support from the Manchester Guardian for an appeal that the East Africa report be given proper consideration on a wide scale, rather than solely by the colonial office, which is granted. Also included is a copy of a letter on the subject sent to The Times, signed by Randall Thomas Davidson, Archbishop of Canterbury, and a series of eminent supporters. There is discussion of the need to appoint a government joint select committee to consider proposed constitutional and administrative changes in East Africa, and the need for interparty co-operation, which is supported by the Manchester Guardian, and accompanied by a related internal memorandum. There is also discussion of a letter by Oldham on the reports of [Sir Samuel] Wilson [on his visit to East Africa], and coverage of criticisms of the report in the Manchester Guardian.