ENPages
page_0001
COPY
Elsfield Manor, Oxford.
4th October, 1932.
The Rt. Honble. Stanley Baldwin, M.P. Astley Hall, Near Stourport.
My dear S.B.
Will you, as an old friend, allow me to inflict on you one word about myself - a subject I am not fond of talking about? I would like to repeat what I said to you in a letter I wrote about this time last year.
I feel that somehow I have managed to acquire the wrong kind of political atmosphere. Most of my friends seem to think that I am a busy man whose life is completely filled with nonpolitical interests.
But that is not the case. I gave up business three years ago in order to devote myself to politics. I do not speak overmuch in the House - there is no need for it - but I do a great deal of speaking up and down the country, especially in Scotland, where I think I have a good deal of influence. Politics have always been my chief interest, and I have had a good deal of administrative experience. I was the equivalent of a Minister with Milner in South Africa, when I was twentyfive; I had a large and difficult Department to manage in the War, and, of course, for nearly a quarter of a century I was
page_0002
2.
one of the directors of a large and successful business. I stood for Parliament before the War, and ever since I have done a good deal of political work both before and since I entered the House - for example on education, and in organising the young men at all the Universities.
Now, I do not want to be thought of as a sort of publicist in the void, like Hugh Cecil, who occasionally makes a speech. I am very well in body now, and, as you know, I can work pretty hard. So I would like to be considered when posts are being filled, for I am no longer as young as I was, and I want to do some useful public work before the Guard comes to take the tickets!
I am not asking for anything, please - I never asked for anything in my life. But I should like my leader to know that I am a free man and really anxious for definite work, so that I may be considered when the occasion arises.
I am sure you will understand what I mean, and forgive this letter. It most peremptorily does not require any kind of answer.
Yours ever,
(signed) JOHN BUCHAN.
