2110-4-7-7

LAURIER HOUSE, OTTAWA.

January 14, 1925.

My dear Buchan:

Only the great pressure of work I have been under since my return from Western Canada has prevented me from writing before this to tell you of the very great pleasure I derived from the reading of your Life of Lord Minto and to congratulate you upon it. I found the volume fascinating

from cover to cover and most illuminating. You have brought out Lord Minto's character in a very beautiful way, and one which will cause its influence to be felt upon all who read your pages. I am a little sorry that in the chapters on Canada so much prominence was given to the Hutton and Dundonald incidents - for after all they were but incidents - and to the exclusion of mention of some other things, are apt to convey the impression that there were serious difficulties and differences in the relations

of Sir Wilfrid and Lord Minto whereas I should be inclined to feel that the outstanding feature of their relationship was the singularly all but complete absence of anything of the kind over the 6 years of Minto's administration. As one, moreover, who is inclined to feel towards Sir Wilfrid the same degree of admiration in most things that you have for Minto, I could not but feel that the reading of the chapters on Canada left one with the impression that Laurier was kept in the path of political rectitude more

through Lord Minto's influence and guidance, than through strength and wisdom and vision on his own part. I am inclined to feel that Sir Wilfrid's influence upon Lord Minto in matters pertaining to his governor- generalship was quite as farreaching and significant as any control Lord Minto exercised in Sir Wilfrid's direction of affairs. I confess, however, I am the last person to see Sir Wilfrid as others may have seen him, for to me he was preceptor as well as friend in the political affairs of his day.

I am amazed at the extent to which you have covered the essential features not only of Lord Minto's administrations in Canada and India, but of the problems which presented themselves for consideration. The volume is not less a history than a biography; and as a portraiture of character, I doubt if it can be excelled.

I continue to look back upon the glimpse

of Mrs Buchan and yourself as one of the real blessings of 1924, which I must confess was in every way the best of years for me. I do regret though having been absent when you returned to Ottawa and not having had one hour that you, Lord Byng and I might have shared together. Your little visit with His Excellency and the one with me, has given us both just the vital spark needed to destroy the formalities of a very real

friendship, and to transmute official interchanges into the most delightful of shared confidences. I grow fonder of Lord Byng every day and our relationship could not be more delightful than it is.

I hope you feel about the Empire as I do - that all is going well. It does seem to me that the Dawes report has made a difference, and that Baldwin's coming back has been all for the good in bringing about a more settled state of mind and feeling.