2110-4-9-8

[Note by JAS - Violet Markham to Duke of Devonshire? See her letter to Susan Buchan, 'Sunday night' no date. 'I propose to go see Leo Amery & tell them the unofficial intimation I have had as to who would be acceptable to the Canadian Government as G.G. And I propose to send a letter & the same lures to the Duke of Devonshire.']

March 31st, 1926.

I am venturing to write to you about a very delicate matter.

Through the accident of personal friendship I have become so to speak the unofficial post box of a communication which you may wish to bring to the notice of the Prime Minister.

Mr. Mackenzie King has been for more than twenty years one of my most intimate friends. Both in personal and official matters we have been in close touch throughout that period. When in England for the last Imperial Conference he made the acquaintance of the John Buchans - also old and intimate friends of mine. Mackenzie King was greatly attracted by the Buchans, and after a visit they paid to Canada eighteen months ago wrote to me in the warmest terms of the friendship and regard with which they had inspired him.

Just before the Canadian General Election took place I had a confidential letter from Mr. King about the appointment of a new Governor General. He told me that no man would be so acceptable in that position to himself and his Government as John Buchan - would I find out, of course quite unofficially, whether he would entertain the suggestion if made. I saw Mr. Buchan whose attitude then as now was most dignified and correct - if the offer was made he would give it his earnest consideration; more than that he could not say.

Mackenzie King has of course in the interval been involved in very heavy political weather. However, ten days ago when at Monte Carlo I had a letter from him referring again to this subject.

I appreciate that the appointment of a Governor General raises delicate questions of constitutional precedent and prerogative so far as the two Governments are concerned. The Canadian Government would hesitate I gather directly to suggest a name as that might appear to infringe the initiative of the Home Government.

I do not know the exact procedure followed on these occasions, but I imagine no Cabinet would nominate a Governor General who was unacceptable to a Dominion Government. I conclude also that alternative names are suggested before the appointment is finally made, and what I am asked to convey to Mr. Baldwin is that it would be very acceptable to the Canadian Government if Mr. Buchan's name was placed on such a list.

I have spoken to Mr. Buchan whose attitude remains as before - if the offer is made he will consider it but he will take no steps of any kind to further his candidature or press it on the Government.

I am bound, however, to convey Mr. King's wishes to the proper quarter. I do not know Mr. Baldwin and he might resent a letter on such a subject from a total stranger. After anxious reflection I feel I shall best discharge my duty in this matter by placing the facts confidentially before yourself and also before Mr. Amery. You will then know the wishes of the Canadian Government and be able to take such action as you think fit.

If Mr. Baldwin asks why I should appear as the "post box" on this occasion may I remind you that apart from my close personal friendship with Mackenzie King I have served the Canadian Government in an official capacity in 1923 as a substitute member on the Governing Body of the International Labour Office at Geneva.

March 31st, 1926.

I am venturing to write to you about a very delicate matter.

Through the accident of personal friendship I have become so to speak the unofficial post box of a communication which you may wish to bring to the notice of the Prime Minister.

Mr. Mackenzie King has been for more than twenty years one of my most intimate friends. Both in personal and official matters we have been in close touch throughout that period. When in England for the last Imperial Conference he made the acquaintance of the John Buchans - also old and intimate friends of mine. MacKenzie King was greatly attracted by the Buchans, and after a visit they paid to Canada eighteen months ago wrote to me in the warmest terms of the friendship and regard with which they had inspired him.

Just before the Canadian General Election took place I had a confidential letter from Mr. King about the appointment of a new Governor General. He told me that no man would be so acceptable in that position to himself and his Government as John Buchan - would I find out, of course quite unofficially, whether he would entertain the suggestion if made. I saw Mr. Buchan whose attitude then as now was most dignified and correct - if the offer was made he would give it his earnest consideration; more than that he could not say.

Mackenzie King has of course in the interval been involved in very heavy political weather. However, ten days ago when at Monte Carlo I had a letter from him referring again to this subject.

I appreciate that the appointment of a Governor General raises delicate questions of constitutional precedent and prerogative so far as the two Governments are concerned. The Canadian Government would hesitate I gather directly to suggest a nme as that might appear to infringe the initiative of the Home Government.

I do not know the exact procedure followed on these occasions, but I imagine no Cabinet would nominate a Governor General who was unacceptable to a Dominion Government. I conclude also that alternative names are suggested before the appointment is finally made, and what I am asked to convey to Mr. Baldwin is that it would be very acceptable to the Canadian Government if Mr. Buchan's name was placed on such a list.

I have spoken to Mr. Buchan whose attitude remains as before - if the offer is made he will consider it but he will take no steps of any kind to further his candidature or press it on the Government.

I am bound, however, to convey Mr. King's wishes to the proper quarter. I do not know Mr. Baldwin and he might resent a letter on such a subject from a total stanger. After anxious reflection I feel I shall best discharge my duty in this matter by placing the facts confidentially before yourself and also before Mr. Amery. You will then know the wishes of the Canadian Government and be able to take such action as you think fit.

If Mr. Baldwin asks why I should appear as the "post box" on this occasion may I remind you that apart from my close personal friendship with Mackenzie King I have served the Canadian Government in an official capacity in 1923 as a substitute member on the Governing Body of the International Labour Office at Geneva.