Correspondence with Charles Freer Andrews

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 GDN/A/A30
  • Dates of Creation
      22 Feb 1922-5 April 1940
  • Physical Description
      45 pieces; 48 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Charles Freer Andrews (1871-1940), author and campaigner for Indian independence, relating to letters and articles written by Andrews for the Manchester Guardian on the social and political situation in India. The subjects of these articles include Mohandas Karamchand [Mahatma] Gandhi, political leader and religious and social reformer, and his views and approaches, the work of Rabindranath Tagore, poet and educationist, on Shantiniketan, the position of the Swarajists, and a visit by Andrews to America at the behest of Tagore and Gandhi. [articles not included.]

There are requests from C.P. Scott for articles on Indian politics, on the events of the legislative assembly and provincial courts, on the Swarajists, and requests for further information on Andrews work and the travelling he undertakes within the country. There is discussion of the arrangements for the provision of articles by Andrews, their form, and of receiving information on important developments quickly. There is internal memoranda discussing and praising Andrews work, and reference to a meeting between Scott and Andrews. There is also a request for advice for an informant on India for the Manchester Guardian, for which Andrews recommends H.S.L. Polak.

There are discussions of Gandhi, relating to his release from prison in 1924, his operation and subsequent illness, his influence in ensuring that protest marches remained non-violent, Andrews' support of Gandhi's campaign against untouchability, and the non-cooperation movement. There is also praise of an article by Scott on Sikhs and the creation of non-resistance, which Gandhi had admired.

Also included are discussions of Rabindranath Tagore, on his health, and work, including compliments and positive reviews for his publication, Letters from Abroad. There is discussion of a poem translated by Tagore for publication in the Manchester Guardian, and reference to [Katherine] Mayo's book [Mother India] and concerns that this may lead to a cold reception of Tagore in England.

There are references to Andrews' meeting with Ramsay MacDonald (1866-1937), prime minister, and [George Nathaniel] Curzon, [1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston], foreign secretary, with discussion of the Labour Party. There are also references to the arrangement of a meeting with Sir John Simon, Indian Statutory Commission, with discussion of the Simon Commission, and gratitude to Scott for advice prior to a meeting with a Secretary of State. There is a request from Andrews that, if possible, an article should be brought to the attention of Lord Olivier, Secretary of State for India. There are also references to Andrews' work in opposition to the South African Asiatic Bill, and the campaign against opium.

Also included is correspondence with L[ionel] B[erners] Cholmondeley, clergyman, relating to his concerns as to the suitability of Andrews' views as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian. There are expressions of gratitude for by Andrews for Scott's assistance of Tarini Sinha, political scientist, who has gained employment at the Manchester Guardian, an internal employment history index card for Andrews, and details of the payment to be provided for a number of Andrews' articles.

GDN/A/A30/45 is a newspaper cutting of the obituary for Andrews in the Manchester Guardian, [1940].