page_0001

[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.