Secret Papers from the Civil Commissioner's Office, 1925-1927

In his Taming of the Working Class in America and Britain Ralph H. Desmarais describes how, in the Britain of the 1920s, 'the actual machinery for handling emergencies, known for purposes of disguise as the Supply Department, was inherited intact from the Strike Committee, and was supervised by the Chief Civil Commissioner and his staff.' The Commissioner was a member of the Supply and Transport Organisation Committee and usually a minor minister.The 109 items in the present collection of papers, dating from the three-year period between December 1924 and November 1927, provide a valuable and unique glimpse into the British government's handling of the disruption caused by industrial unrest at the time of the 1926 General Strike, from preparation to aftermath, and indicating the considerable organisation required across departments.In addition to ten reports on topics including 'co-operation between the military authorities and the civil organisation in the event of an emergency arising' and 'roads', the collection includes a secret five-page list of eighteen 'Conclusions of a Meeting of the Cabinet held on 28th April 1926', as well as correspondence between Winterton and his subordinates and individuals (named below) from a range of government departments, with letters to Winterton and his division, drafts of replies, memoranda, and other matter.Underlining the secrecy surrounding the 'Supply Department', 34 documents in the collection - around a third of the total - are headed 'Secret' (28 items), 'Most Secret' (2 items), 'Secret and Personal' (3 items) or 'Secret. | Urgent.' (1 item). The nuances of the matter are interesting: it is only with item 81, dating from April 1926, that the headings 'Confidential' (4 items), 'Private' (2 items) and 'Private and Personal' (3 items) begin to appear.Winterton the manA close friend of Sir Winston Churchill, the Rt Hon. Edward Turnour, 6th Earl Winterton (1883-1962) was a minor Conservative minister (Under-Secretary for India and Privy Councillor) and a House of Commons 'character' (DNB). He was 'often explosively outspoken' (according to his Times obituary, 28 August 1962), and noted for his 'exuberance' and 'intolerance' (DNB, which also describes how he 'could be quick-tempered and exceptionally offensive'). He was also addicted to fox-hunting, riding out over the years with at least forty packs of hounds.Winterton the Civil Commissioner and his correspondentsWhile Winterton mentions his activities as Civil Commissioner in his second volume of autobiography Orders of the Day (1953), neither his entry in the Oxford DNB, nor his obituary in The Times, allude to it.The circumstances surrounding Winterton's appointment are described in Item 3, a letter to him from Lt Col. Sir Ronald Waterhouse, Private Secretary to Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin. For the purposes of 'dealing with such emergencies as might arise out of Industrial Disputes' England and Wales were divided into ten divisions, under the Chief Civil Commissioner, Sir William Mitchell-Thomson (1877-1938), Conservative MP and 1st Baron Selsden. The correspondence between Mitchell-Thomson and Winterton in the collection shows the two men on very good terms, addressing one another as 'My dear Eddie' and 'My dear Mike'.As the correspondence shows, Winterton's subordinates had frequent dealings with Mitchell-Thomson's Chief Assistant Arthur Belmore Lowry (1868-1938), whose Times obituary, 11 April 1938, states: 'The general strike of 1926 afforded Lowry a further opportunity of showing his powers of organization and administration. It was partly no doubt for his services at that time that Lowry received the honour of knighthood in 1928.' References will also be found in the correspondence to Mitchell-Thomson's Deputy Principal Chief Assistant C. F. Roundell.Winterton's official title was 'Civil Commissioner for the South Midland Division', an area covering Berks, Oxfordshire, Bucks, Hants, Isle of Wight, Wilts'. Winterton's correspondence was handled by his Private Secretary at the India Office, William Douglas Tomkins (1882-1959), and serving under him in the South Midland Division were Chief Assistant Owen J. Llewellyn and Deputy Chief Assistant Clifford Roy Kerwood (c.1889-1964), the latter also 'Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Health'. Among other correspondents are President of the Board of Trade Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister (1884-1972, later 1st Earl of Swinton), whom Winterton addresses as 'My dear Philip' and Henry Henry Piggott (1871-1951, later knighted), Assistant Secretary, Roads Department, Ministry of Transport. There is also a letter from the Indian civil servant Sir Arthur Rowland Knapp (1870-1954).ConditionThe collection derives from Earl Winterton's own papers, and all the items are attached to one another, in roughly chronological order from back to front, by a string tag passing through the top left-hand corners of each leaf. The collection is in good overall condition, with all items complete on aged paper, with the tag corner dogeared, and slight wear at the beginning and end of the bundle.Detailed descriptionA full description of the 109 documents, listed in the order they appear in the bundle (from back to front) is as follows:1. Mimeographed copy of typed list headed '1X. SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION', giving names and addresses of those in charge of five sections of the Division (Oxford, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton, Swindon), with list of each section's 'Boroughs', 'U[rban]. D[istrict]s.' and 'R[ural]. D[istrict]s.' Undated. 2pp., folio.2. Typed list of 'Commission and Staff (as on 31st July 1925)'. 1p., 4to.3. TLS. Lt Col. Waterhouse to Winterton. 18 December 1924. Letterhead of 10 Downing St. 18 December 1924. 'You may remember that in previous administrations a system known as the Supply and Transport Organisation has been set up with the object of dealing with such emergencies as might arise out of Industrial Disputes. | The Prime Minister has now decided to continue this system and to this end has invited Sir William Mitchell-Thomson to act as Chief Civil Commissioner; but in order that every are in the country may be included, it is considered necesssary to appoint local Commissioners in addition, and Mr. Baldwin therefore desires me to say that he would be very grateful if in addition to your other duties you could see your way to act in that capacity for the district of Reading.. | In the event of your acceptance of this post, a memorandum outlining your duties will be sent to you, which I am to request that youwill treat as Most Confidential.'4. Signed copy TL. Tomkins to Waterhouse. 20 December 1924. India Office, Whitehall. 1p., 4to. Reply to No.3. Informing him that Winterton accepts the post.5. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton. 1 July 1925. Letterhead of General Post Office, London. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Secret'.6. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton ('My dear Eddy'). 1 September 1925. Letterhead of Civil Commissioners' Department, 2 Whitehall Gardens. 2pp., 4to. Marked 'SECRET'. Begins: 'I am sorry to trouble you on holiday, but, after consulting with the Home Secretary, I write to say that we both strongly desire that you should arrange with your Chief Assistant to pay a visit to your Divisional Assistant to pay a visit to your Divisional H.Q. for the purpose of conferring with him and with the technical officers representing the various services there.' The aim of the 'conference' is to 'discuss fully and freely with your technical officers', and to try, 'as far as possible, to make them realise that they are now your permanent staff and to get them to work as a team', while 'impressing upon them the necessity of a due measure of reticence in public'.7. ALS. Winterton to Tomkins. 3 September 1925. India Office letterhead. 2pp., 12mo. Marked 'Secret'.8. Signed copy TL. Tomkins to Private Secretary to the Chief Civil Commissioner [Lowry]. 7 September 1925. India Office. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Secret'.9. ALS. Tomkins to Winterton. 7 September [1925]. 1p., 12mo.10. Copy of typed circular [from Tomkins] to 'Members of Staff of the Division'. 15 September 1925. Letterhead of Ministry of Health, Whitehall, from 38 Redlands Rd, Reading. 1p., 4to. Announcing that Winterton 'wishes to meet the Members of Staff of the Division to discuss with them the emergency arrangements with special reference to the functions of the representatives of the various Services'.11. ALS. Lowry to Dixon. 15 September 1925. Ministry of Health letterhead. 1p., 12mo.12. Copy of typed report by Winterton to 'Chief Commissioner' [Mitchell Thomson]. 8 October 1925. 10pp., folio. Reporting on his meeting on 1 October with 'the chief officials designed for special duties under the emergency organisation for the South Midland Division', at the Great Western Hotel, Reading. In addition to Lowry, Llewellyn and Kerwood, those present were the E. W. J. Arman, Divisional Food Officer; T. G. Newcomen, Road Commissioner; W. W. Grierson, Postal Representative; E. Talbot, Coal Officer; F. P. G. Cambridge, Great Western Railway Representative; J. Harris, Chairman of Haulage Committee; together with Lt Col. J. F. Hawkins. 13. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton ('My dear Eddy'). 13 October 1925. Letterhead of Post Master General. 1p., 12mo. Carrying AN by Winterton.14. Copy TL. Kerwood to Major Greenwood, Montrose, Church Crookham, Aldershot [one of four Military Liason Officers, South Midland Division]. 13 October 1925. Ministry of Health, Whitehall. 3pp., 4to. Briefing Greenwood for a meeting with Winterton 'to discuss generally as far as concerns transport in this Division the scheme which will be put into operation if and when an emergency arises'.15. Copy TL. Kerwood to Lieutenant Colonel G. M. W. Powell [sic, for 'P. L. W. Powell'], 2nd Battalion, The Welch Regiment, Tedworth [one of four Military Liason Officers, South Midland Division]. 13 October 1925. Ministry of Health, Whitehall. 3pp., 4to. Text as No.14.16. Copy TL. Tomkins to [J. Wilkie,] Private Secretary to the President of the Board of Education, Whitehall. 14 October 1925. India Office. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Secret'.17. TLS. Wilkie to Tomkins. 15 October 1925. Board of Education letterhead. 1p., 4to.18. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton ('Dear Eddy'). 8 October 1925. On Post Master General's letterhead. 2pp., 4to. Marked 'MOST SECRET'. 'The Cabinet have directed me to ascertain your views as to the practicability and usefulness of the opening of Emergency recruiting by the Government all over the country at an early date.' Describing three points on which it is 'desired in particular to have your impressions'.19. Signed copy TL. Tomkins to the Private Secretary to the Post Master General. 12 October 1925. India Office, Whitehall. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Most Secret'.21. Signed copy TL. Winterton to Mitchell-Thomson. 13 October 1925. India Office. 4pp., 4to. Marked 'Secret'. Replying to No.18, and giving his views on 'the question of the opening of emergency recruiting by the Government'. Giving reasons for his opposition to 'any such proposal', as far as his Division is concerned.22. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton ('My dear Eddy'). 14 October 1925. Letterhead of Post Master General. 1p., 12mo.23. Signed copy of report by Winterton ('(Sd.) Winterton | Civil Commr. | S. Midland Divn.') to 'Chief Commissioner' [Mitchell-Thomson]. 30 October 1925. 7pp., folio. Begins: 'In view of the large concentrations of troops in this Division I consider it of the utmost importance that there should be the closest co-operation between the military authorities and the civil organisation in the event of an emergency arising. I arranged, therefore, a conference with the Military Liason officers, which was held in my room at The India Office on Friday the 23rd October.' In addition to Llewellyn and Kerwood, four military officers were present, with J. Harris, Chairman of the Haulage Committee, Reading.24. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 2 November 1925. Letterhead of Minstry of Health, Whitehall, from Chaplain's House, Forbury Rd, Reading. 1p., 4to. Marked 'SECRET AND PERSONAL'.25. ALS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton ('My dear Eddy'). 2 November 1925. 1p., 12mo.26. Signed copy TL. Kerwood to Roundell. 6 November 1925. Chaplain's House, Reading. 1p., folio. Marked 'SECRET'.27. Copy of typed 'monthly report' on meeting on 31 October 1925 of the 'SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION'. Signed by Kerwood. 4 November 1925. Chaplain's House, Reading. 5pp., folio. Marked 'SECRET'.28. Signed copy TL. Kerwood to Lowry. 5 November 1925. Chaplain's House, Reading. 1p., folio. Marked 'SECRET'.29. Copy TL. Lowry to Llewellyn and Kerwood. 4 November 1925. 2pp., folio. Marked 'SECRET'. Responding to No.27.30. Copy of typed report on three meetings held by 'SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION' during October 1925. By Kerwood. 2 November 1925. Chaplain's House, Reading. 3pp., folio. Marked 'SECRET'.31. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 6 November 1925. 1p., 4to. Marked 'SECRET AND PERSONAL'. Carrying note by Winterton. Sending copies of five documents. Winterton 'will be interested to read them as they summarise the position as it stands to-day.'32. TLS. C. F. Roundell to Tomkins ('Dear Private Secretary'). 7 October 1925. Letterhead of Civil Commissioners' Department. 1p., 4to.33. TLS. C. F. Roundell to Winterton. 15 October 1925. Letterhead of Civil Commissioners' Department. 1p., 4to. Marked 'SECRET'. Requesting on Mitchell-Thomson's behalf that Winterton 'attend a meeting of the Civil Commissioners at 3 p.m., on Thursday, 12th November'.34. Mimeographed copy of typed list of Civil Commissioners, staffs and office addresses, of the South Midland Division. 2pp., folio. Undated. With manuscript emendation.35. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 16 November 1925. Ministry of Health letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading. Marked 'SECRET'. 'Neither [Llewellyn] nor I have a room in Whitehall now and our H.Q. is at Reading. | I enclose a copy of a list of Divisional Officers [...] You will notice that I have not given any address for Lord Winterton or mentioned you. This I have done deliberately, as I think that it is much better that Divisional Officers should communicate with Lord Winterton through Llewellyn or me.'36. Signed copy TL. Tomkins to Kerwood. 13 November 1925. India Office. 1p., 4to. 'Lord Winterton attended his Commissioners' Committee yesterday [see No.33] and now wants to see either you or Llewellyn to let you know what happened'.37. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 19 November 1925. Ministry of Health letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading. Carrying ANS by Tomkins.38. Copy of typed report of 'further discussion' on 'Military Requirements of Transport on the Outbreak of an Emergency', held on 23 November 1925, between representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the War Office and Contractors. 4pp., folio. With typed and manuscript emendations.39. ALS. Piggott to Winterton. 28 November 1925. Letterhead of Ministry of Transport, 6 Whitehall Gardens. 2pp., 4to. Regarding 'Emergency Arrangements'.40. Signed copy TL. Winterton to Piggott. 30 November 1925. India Office. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Secret'. Responding to No.39, he thanks him for 'informing me of the progress of negotiations with regard to the transport of troops during an emergency'.41. Printed 'CIRCULAR 636. | (England and Wales.)' to 'Town Councils, | Metropolitan Borough Councils, | Urban District Councils, | Rural District Councils.' With facsimile signature of W. A. Robinson, The Clerk to the Local Authority. 20 November 1925. 4pp., 4to. 'The events of recent years have shown that an industrial dispute may be so extended as to interfere seriously with communications, the conveyance of food and of other necessities, the supply of light and power and the health and means of livelihood of the population at large.'42. Duplicate of Item 34. Stamped 'FOR INFORMATION'.43. Typed compliments slip from Lowry.44. Copy of typed 'monthly report' of meeting on 27 November 1925 by 'SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION'. 27 November 1925. Chaplain's House, Reading. Signed by Kerwood. 2pp., folio.45. Copy of typed 'Report on the organisation of this Division [SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION]'. Signed by Llewellyn. 11 December 1925. Chaplain's House, Reading.46. Copy of typed 'MEETING OF ROAD COMMISSIONERS, TUESDAY 24th NOVEMBER, 1925. | NOTES'. Signed by Llewellyn. 4pp, folio.47. Copy of typed 'NOTES | MEETING AT THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16th, 1925.' 3pp., folio.48. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 17 December 1925. Ministry of Health letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading. 2pp., 4to. Marked 'SECRET AND PERSONAL'.49. Signed copy TL. Winterton jointly to Chief Assistant and Deputy Chief Assistant, South Midland Division. 23 December [1925]. 2pp., 4to. Marked 'Secret'. 'The progress made in organisation throughout the Division seems very satisfactory. [...] Now that Parliament has risen I shall be the more free for any necessary work in connection with the Division [...] My idea is to invite, through you, each Chairmen to meet and have lunch with me either in the Division or in London and to ask you both to be present. I feel it is desirable that I should make the acquaintance of the Chairmen.'50. Signed copy TL. Tomkin to Kerwood. 23 December 1925. India Office. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Secret'.51. TLS. Llewellyn to Tomkins. 30 December 1925. Ministry of Health letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading. Carrying ANsS by Winterton and Tomkins.52. Mimeographed Typed 'LIST OF [six] CHAIRMEN OF VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES'. 1p., 4to.53. Typed compliments slip from Lowry. With manuscript note.54. Mimeographed Typed Circular by C. F. R[oundell] to Chief Assistants and Deputy Chief Assistants. 5 January 1926. Civil Commissioners' Department. 'No. 024.' 1p., folio. Stamped 'SECRET'.55. Typed compliments slip from Lowry. Stamped 'FOR INFORMATION'.56. Copy of typed 'Progress Report'. Llewellyn to Tomkins. Headed 'SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION'. 2 February 1926. Chaplain's House, Reading. 4pp., folio. Marked 'Secret'. With a few minor manuscript emendations. In four sections: Division; Area Officers; Local Authorities; Special Questions.57. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 5 February 1926. On government letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading.58. Mimeographed copy of typed minutes of 'monthly meeting' of (eighteen) Divisional Officers of 'SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION', at the Town Hall, Reading, 26 February 1926, at which 'also were present the [eleven] Chief Constables of all Police Forces in the Division with the exception of Oxfordshire' (quoted from No.59). 4pp., folio. Marked 'SECRET'.59. Copy TL. Kerwood to Lowry. 1 March 1926. Chaplain's House, Reading. 2pp., folio. Marked 'Secret'.60. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 3 March 1926. Ministry of Health letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading. 1p., 4to. Marked 'SECRET'.61. Autograph Signed copy Letter. Winterton to Llewellyn. 9 March 1926. 1p., 4to. 'With reference to recommendation No.1 (Movement of Troops)'.62. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 16 March 1926. Ministry of Health letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading. 1p., 4to. Marked 'SECRET'. 'I did not gather that Lord Winterton's minute imputed any blame to the Civil Commissioners' Department, but Lowry saw in it a suggestion that the Department had been remiss and did not relish it at all.' He explains that the Ministry of Transport have 'intimated that the Military Authorities are now negotiating with two contractors for the supply of such transport as will be necessary'.63. Signed copy TL. Winterton to Chief Commissioner [Mitchell-Thomson]. 18 March 1926. India Office. 'As you are aware I attach considerable importance to an early settlement of this question', i.e. 'arrangement with the War Office for the transport of troops'.64. Signed copy TL. Tomkins to Kerwood. 18 March 1926. India Office. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Secret'.65. Signed copy TL. Tomkins to Kerwood. 23 March 1926. India Office. 1p., 4to.66. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton ('My dear Eddy'). 22 March 1926. On Post Master General's letterhead. 1p., 12mo. Thanking Winterton for his letter sending 'a copy of the recommendation of the 26th February about the movement of troops'. Autograph postscript: 'Douglas King has the matter in hand now.'67. Copy of typed 'Road Commissioner's Report to the Civil Commissioner' by Lt Col. J. F. Hawkins. Headed 'SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION'. 8 March 1926. 3pp., folio.68. Copy of typed 'Report on the position in this Division' to Lowry. Signed by Llewellyn. Headed 'SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION'. 13 April 1926. Chaplain's House, Reading. 3pp., folio. Marked 'SECRET'.69. TLS. Kerwood to Tomkins. 15 April 1926. On government letterhead, from Chaplain's House, Reading. Carrying ANsS by Winterton and Tomkins.70. Typed Circular 'To all Civil Commissioners' from 'W. M[itchell]. T[homson].' 30 April 1926. Letterhead of Civil Commissioners' Department. 'Please stand by to-day in London between the hours of 4.30 and 5.30 p.m. for an Order to proceed to your Division to-night.'71. Typed Circular 'To all Civil Commissioners' from 'W. M[itchell]. T[homson].' 30 April 1926. Letterhead of Civil Commissioners' Department. 1p., 12mo. 'Please proceed to your Division to-night.' Timed at '4.40 p.m.' and docketed 'Recd. 6.45.'72. TLS. H. H. Piggott to Winterton. 30 April 1926. Ministry of Transport, Roads Department, 7 Whitehall Gardens. 1p., 4to. Informing Winterton regarding 'the arrangements with regard to the utilisation of motor vehicles for the transport of certain troops from the Aldershot and Southern Commands to danger areas in the event of a strike'.73. Copy TL. [Tomkins] to Piggott. 30 April 1926. India Office. 1p., 4to.74. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton. 28 April 1926. Civil Commissioners' Department. 1p., folio. Begins: 'In the event of a coal stoppage, which is not, at the outset, attended by a Transport Strike, it has been decided that Divisional organisation shall be mobilised and that the Civil Commissioners shall proceed to their posts. An Emergency Proclamation will be issued together with such Regulations as are necessary.'75. ALS. Winterton to Tomkins. 28 April 1926. House of Commons letterhead. 1p., 12mo.76. Copy TL. [Tomkins] to Lowry. 29 April 1926. India Office. Marked 'Secret. | Urgent.' 1p., 4to.77. Mimeographed typed 'Extract from Conclusions of a Meeting of the Cabinet held on 28th April 1926.' Headed 'CABINET 19(26)'. 5pp., folio. Marked 'SECRET'. Giving the eighteen resolutions of the cabinet (marked 'a' to 't'), following a briefing from the Home Secretary, on: Mobilisation of Organisation; Circular to Local Authorities; Proclamation of Emergency; Emergency Regulations; Publicity; London Milk Scheme; Measures for the Support of the Civil Power; Insurance; Naval Exercises; Peaceful Picketing; The Fascists; Civil Commissioners; Co-operative Organisation; Pay of Service Personel. Ends: 'The Prime Minister withdrew at this point, in view of his negotiations in connection with the Coal Dispute.'78. Printed list of 'CIVIL COMMISSIONERS, STAFFS and OFFICE ADDRESSES' of all ten divisions under the Civil Commissioner. 29 April 1926. Printed by 'E[yre] & S[pottiswoode]'. 4pp., folio.79. Mimeographed Typed 'MEMORANDUM' ('No. 080') to 'Civil Commissioners' by 'W. M[itchell]. T[homson].'. 30 April 1926. Civil Commissioners' Department. 1p., folio. Begins: 'After the proclamation of an Emergency, all information and communiques issued in London on behalf of the Government will be communicated to the Press by Mr. J.C.C. Davidson C.H., C.B., M.P., Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty. Mr. Davidson proposes to hold two daily conferences with Press Representatives of the London and Provincial papers at 12 Noon and 5 p.m. This Publicity Department will be charged with the communication of official information only and nothing in the nature of propaganda will be undertaken.'80. Printed 'CIRCULAR 699. | (England and Wales.)' to County Councils, Town Councils, Metropolitan Borough Councils, Rural District Councils. With facsimile signature of W. A. Robinson, The Clerk to the Local Authority. 30 April 1926. Ministry of Health, Whitehall. 1p., 8vo.81. Mimeographed copy of facsimile TLS. Circular from Lowry. 30 April 1926. Civil Commissioners' Department. 1p., folio. Marked 'CONFIDENTIAL'.82. ALS. Arthur G. Boscowen to Winterton. 2 May 1926. Letterhead of Pangbourne Lodge, Berks. 2pp., 8vo. He has heard that Winterton is 'G[overnme]nt. Commissioner for this district. I held a similar position in S. Wales during the 1920 strike, so know a good deal about the organisation.' Asks if he can help. Postscript 'Lady B. would work in the office if you like. As you know she was once my private sec[retar]y.!'83. ALS. Sir Arthur R. Knapp to [Winterton?]. 2 May 1926. Letterhead of East India United Service Club, St James's Square. 3pp., 12mo. Begins: 'Should my services in any capacity be of any use to you I beg to offer them. | I am 55 years of age & therefore rather outside the category of regular physical workers but I should be prepared to undertake any job suited to my capacity from office boy upwards.'84. Mimeographed copy of typed list of Civil Commissioners, staffs and office addresses, of the South Midland Division. With manuscript additions. Undated. 2pp., folio.85. TLS. Sir Campbell Rhodes to Winterton. 8 November [1926]. Letterhead of Kentons, Henley-on-Thames. 2pp., 12mo. 'In a letter received this morning a mutual friend remarks, Arman is still at the prison drawing umteen pounds per day. After the economy you exercised in running the division in the actual crisis, this seems little short of a public scandal, and if the facts leaked out and questions were asked in Parliament, the Government would find it difficult to give a convincing answer. Perhaps this reference may assist you to put pressure on the necessary authorities, as I know you feel as strongly as some of us do on the subject.' [E. W. J. Arman, OBE, was Winterton's Food Officer. The context is explained in No.89.]86. Copy TL. Winterton to Sir Campbell Rhodes ('Dear Sir Campbell'). 9 November 1926. India Office. 1p., folio. Marked 'Private'. Replying to No.85: 'I feel, as you recognise, quite as strongly as anyone on the matter and have made urgent representations on more than one occasion to the Chief Civil Commissioner, and I know that it has been brought strongly before the President of the Board of Trade. But for reasons which I have never understood the Board of Trade feel it necessary to keep a number of their Food Officers at their posts and among the number is Arman.'87. Copy Typed 'Note by Mr O. J. Llewellyn'. 29 October 1926. India Office letterhead. 2pp., 8vo. He has 'seen Board of Trade about Arman and they share my feelings that he has not imparted enough information to the various Food Officers. He has an ble assistant in Colonel Tennant of Colchester although he (Col. Tennant) confesses he has little idea of Arman's plans, etc. | I suggest that Lord Winterton writes to Board of Trade saying that his Chief Assistant is not satisfied with the progress of this most important work and desires more information as to the Board's knowledge of his work and opinion of officers.' Carrying ANS from Tomkins to Winterton.88. ALS. Winterton to Tomkins. 29 October 1926. House of Commons letterhead. 2pp., 12mo. Regarding Arman.89. Signed copy TL. Winterton to Mitchell-Thomson ('My dear Mike'). 6 August 1926. India Office. 2pp., 4to. Marked 'Private'. 'You may imagine my surprise when I heard that the paid Divisional Food Officer is still functioning - or perhaps as there can be almost nothing to do, it would be truer to say still attending - at Reading, with a paid Assistant and a Clerk. I understand that there are also a few local Food Officers still in existence throughout the Division. I cannot help feeling that if these gentlemen were giving their services voluntarily they would have discovered long ago, as the head Road Officers very properly did, that there was insufficient work to require their services. But when Mr. Arman, a retired Government Servant is able to continue to draw emoluments aggregating over £4 a day while his appointment continues, and his assistants are well paid for what in the nature of things must be an extraordinarily light job, there is obviously little incentive for them to urge the closing of their offices.' With autograph postscript.90. TLS. A. P. Hughes-Gibb to Tomkins. 12 August 1926. Civil Commissioners' Department. 1p., 4to.91. TLS. Kerwood to R. E. Field, India Office. 1 September 1926. Ministry of Health letterhead. 3pp., folio. Marked 'SECRET'. He has been shown Winterton's correspondence with Cunliffe-Lister on 'the question of the continued retention of Food Officers'. 'It is considered that it is necessary to maintain at any rate a nucleus organisation of food officers until it is known what the position as regards coal will be in mid September. Further, although in certain cases food officers have at present little to do, they serve two useful purposes in that they are recognised officers to whom food traders look for advice and help, and as the whole of the coal distribution work is in the hands of trade representatives, independent food officers ensure that bakers, etc. are properly looked after. It appears that the Mines Department support this view. [...] It is pointed out that if the Strike continues after the middle of September, the shortage of coal will be such that food producers will need much more assistance and drastic steps for food production may have to be taken, such as the pooling of baking facilities, cooking of domestic meals by bakers, restaurants, etc. In this event the whole food organisation would have to be rebuilt and for this reason by itself, divisional food officers have to be kept in being.' Carrying ANS by Winterton.92. TLS. Llewellyn to Winterton. 24 September 1926. 1p., folio. 'Mr. Arman and his assistants are still here, but I understand that next week Mr. Stanley-Adams and his Secretary are leaving, while Mr. Arman 's instructions are that he himself need only be present for three days a week. His Secretary, however, will continue to be a daily inmate of the building. | Mr. Arman tells me that for months he and his staff have had absolutely nothing to do, and it would seem to me that, as I continue to keep the Office open with my clerk and Lady Secretary, my permanent staff is just as capable of doing the no-work done by the Board of Trade as their paid temporary officials.'93. Signed copy TL. Tomkins to Llewellyn. 30 September 1926. India Office. 1p., 4to.94. Copy TL. Winterton to Cunliffe-Lister ('My dear Philip'). 30 November 1926. India Office. 3pp., 4to. Marked 'Private & Personal'. 'Mr. Arman is an old man and is no longer fit to be Divisional Food Officer. He was in fact the one weak link in the chain while I was at Reading during the General Strike and the only officer who caused any difficulty [...] merely because the duties were beyond his physical powers.'95. TLS. Cunliffe-Lister to Winterton ('My dear Eddie'). 1 December 1926. Letterhead of Board of Trade, Great George St. 1p., 4to. Marked 'PRIVATE AND PERSONAL'.96. Copy TL. [Tomkins] to O. J. Llewellyn. 2 December 1926. India Office.97. TLS. Cunliffe-Lister to Winterton ('My dear Eddie'). 6 December 1926. Board of Trade letterhead. 1p., 4to. 'My people have already been considering the possibility of Mr. Arman's resignation; [...] I shall be glad to keep Colonel Greenly's name in mind.' Marked 'Private and Personal'.98. Signed copy TL. Winterton to Mitchell-Thomson ('My dear Mike'). 24 November 1926. India Office. Announcing that he is 'leaving for a short trip in India'.99. TLS. Mitchell-Thomson to Winterton ('My dear Eddie'). 25 November 1926. Post Master General's letterhead. Marked 'Confidential'. He knew that Winterton was going to India, and does not think that 'under present circumstances it is necessary to appoint an interim Civil Commissioner. You will be back in February, and I see no reason to expect any trouble before then. Of course, if the need should arise I should put someone in at short notice to hold on till you come home.'100. Draft copy of typed circular [to Divisional Civil Commissioners from Mitchell-Thompson]. 29 March 1927. 1p., 4to. Asking for the recipient's views on the 'Supply and Transport arrangements' which have been 'under consideration in the light of the experience of the General Strike'.101. ALS. Lowry to Tomkins. 29 March 1927. Ministry of Health letterhead. 2pp., 12mo. Ministry of Health letterhead. Enclosing No.100. 'Your chief will I think receive from Mike Thompson [sic] a letter somewhat in the terms of the draft enclosed.'102. Copy TL. Arthur Durrant, H.M. Office of Works, Whitehall, to Lowry. 21 June 1927. 1p., folio. Begins: 'An inspection of Guildford has now been made and it seems quite clear that we could not make arrangements for the housing of the whole of the Emergency Organisation (some 16 rooms) in one building.'103. Copy TL. H. H. Piggott to Lowry. 7 June 1927. Ministry of Transport, Roads Department. 1p., folio. Concerning 'Port Emergency Officer, Bristol' and 'the Road Commissioner for the new South-Eastern Division'.104. ALS. Lowry to Tomkins. 27 June 1927. Ministry of Health letterhead. 2pp., 12mo. Carrying ANsS from Winterton and Tomkins.105. Signed autograph [memorandum?] by Tomkins. 12 July 1927. 2pp., 12mo. Begins: 'Lord Winterton saw Mr. Lowry & Mr. Snowden at H[ouse]. of C[ommons]. on Monday 11th July. | It was agreed that the best arrangement in all the circumstances would be to stick to Reading as headquarters during any emergency, but that Mr. Snowden shd. use Guildford as his peace-time [sic] headquarters.'106. ALS. Lowry to Winterton. 24 October 1927. Ministry of Health letterhead. 2pp., 4to. Marked 'Confidential'. Informing him what has been done 'to meet your need for a Deputy to the Chief Assistant to the Eastern part of your Division'.107. Copy TL. [Tomkins] to Lowry. 26 October 1927. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Confidential'. Following the appointment of Curtis Bennett as Deputy to the Chief Assistant in the Eastern part of the Division, Winterton assumes that 'in the event of an emergency Mr. Snowden would be at Headquarters in Reading and Mr. Curtis Bennett at Guildford'.108. TLS. Cunliffe-Lister to Winterton ('My dear Eddie'). 24 November 1927. Board of Trade letterhead. 1p., 4to. Marked 'Secret'. Now that Arman's post is vacant, there is 'another very good man available' apart from Greenly, in 'Col. E. F. Strange, C.B.E., who has been the Divisional Food Officer for the South West District and has just come to live in the London area. We know his work and he did extremely well in the General Strike. [...] I should like to appoint him.'109. Signed (with large blue 'W') copy TL. Winterton to Cunliffe-Lister. 29 November 1927. 1p., 4to. Marked 'SECRET'. Further to No.108, he would prefer Greenly, as he knows him to be 'a good man', but has no objection to Colonel Strange.