2110-2-12-8

4, Carlton Gardens, Pall Mall, S.W.

Private.

May 20th, 1914.

My dear Mr Buchan

I think you must excuse me. I have already done more 'stumping' work than I had ever intended; and have, besides, promised Steel-Maitland a speech in the country before an Election. I do not think I ought to do more.

The difficulty in my part of the world seems to be to get hold of the ploughmen. We have a majority, I believe, in the towns. I cannot help feeling some doubts as to whether such meetings as you propose reach the class which it is most important to get at. Still, they no doubt help matters; something percolates through to those who are not present. However, do not think I mean to be discouraging.

Yours sincerely

Arthur James Balfour