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Has just had an interview with the King, and has done his best to allay his anxiety at reports that action is being taken against the innocent dupes of the non-co-operators in India rather than the ringleaders, particularly Gandhi. He also reassured him with regard to the Prince of Wales’s safety. Asks whether there is any truth in the report that, when no students attended the degree ceremony attended by the prince at Benares, high school boys were brought in to fill the vacant places. The King urged that the prince should omit Lahore from his tour.

(Typed. Used for transmission.)

Balmoral Castle. Thanks for hospitality on a visit to Cambridge.

Plymouth. Unexpectedly met the Cornfords on Dartmoor and saw the King in London on his way to his coronation.

Has just returned from the Lake Hunt, 'stiff, but not crippled': describes some events of the three days of hunting, including being a hare on Sunday, when he 'enticed 3 hounds up Kirkfell (nearly 3000 feet)'; draws a map [on the last page] to illustrate his capture by hounds including Charles and young George. Was driven to catch his train by [Laurence John?] Cadbury 'who makes cocoa' in 'a care that looks as if it were made of silver'; the roads were 'full of Whitsuntide motors' but Cadbury 'drives very skilfully' and, passing the cars and charabancs where he could, sometimes went up to 80 miles an hour by the speedometer when the road was clear. Has almost recovered from the 'stiffness' caused by the Hunt. The Sangers and Dorothy Reece [later Dorothy Archibald] have been visiting; Mrs Sanger is still here, until Monday, when [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson is visiting. Elizabeth went up to London with Mr Sanger and Daphne to see Wagner's "Meistersinger", and returns tonight. The 'Exhibition has been demolished' after 'enormous' crowds in its last days, including 'the chairman of the I[ndependent] L[abour] P[arty: Clifford Allen], the ex-President of the Board of Works, the King, the Prince of Wales in Ivel cheese, and several distinguished literary personages.' Hopes Julian is enjoying bathing.

Describing the visit of King George V to the Trinity Master's Lodge September 16-19, 1912 while attending the Cambridge autumn manoeuvres.

Home Office, Whitehall. Acknowledging, as Home Secretary, the college's condolences on the death of Edward VII, on behalf of George V and Queen Alexandra.

Photograph of King George V, H. Montagu Butler, Agnata Butler, Imogen Armitage Smith, and other men in uniform at the time of the King's review of the Cambridge alumni manoeuvres. Taken by Messrs. Stearn, Cambridge.

24 Queen Anne’s Gate, S.W.—(21 Nov.) Breccles needs a new hot-water supply, so she has planned to go down with Lutyens to the Nobles’ [Wretham Hall] to investigate. Will consult Surtees about further mortgages. This afternoon she went with Phyllis to see Viola's first night, and dined at home with guests.—(22 Nov.) She lunched with Nancy and Sydney, whom she dislikes. She dined [at home] with guests, including Coates, who is still in love with Diana.—(22 Nov.) Is dining with Cardie, K, and Asquith, which she thinks is a good sign. After the hospital she played tennis with Edgar and lunched with Hankey and Masterton, who is increasingly ‘soppy’ about Winston. Both seemed disappointed by the failure of the latest attack. Has just heard that Edward has been killed. Reflects on the number of friends who have been, and may be, killed.—(24 Nov.) Has not seen Diana yet, as she was at K’s and did not come to the hospital. Last night she dined with only Cardie and the Old Boy, and she and Asquith reminisced about Sicily. Today she lunched at the Curzons, where Hardinge and Curzon made friendly remarks about Montagu. She had tea with Viola and Hugo, who plans to start a small theatre with Nigel Playfair. She dined with Duff, and Patrick and Phyllis arrived later. Patrick is worried that he may have to marry Phyllis, but she has a new lover, Edgar Vincent.—(25 Nov.) After the hospital she saw Diana, who is wretched but determined to give Duff as much fun as possible. She lunched and dined with Pat, Duff, and Diana, and were joined by Phyllis and Hugo came in later.—(26 Nov.) She lunched with de Noailles, and went to see K and Frances. Discusses the effects of Edward’s death. She dined at Mansfield Street. Refers to the progress of Montagu’s bed.—(27 Nov.) She lunched at home with guests, including Birrell and Freyberg, whom she could not get to talk to each other; then, after visiting Frances, she went to the cinema with her ‘futurist friend’ Wyndham Lewis, and then to Cardie’s for a farewell party for Oc, though he has now got a fortnight’s extension. It is rumoured that he is engaged to Betty Manners.—(28 Nov.) She had lunch with Waxworks and Mikky, then sewed and read with Diana and Duff. She dined at Claude Lowther’s with Goonie, the Duke of Marlborough (who Duff thinks may be Goonie’s lover), and others. Lowther’s house is lovely, but his bedroom is ridiculous. ‘If you had wanted to caricature a bugger’s bedroom you couldnt have done it differently.’ She returned home to find Diana, Duff, and Pat reading.—(29 Nov.) Lord Lansdowne’s letter [to the Daily Telegraph, calling for a negotiated peace with Germany], more because she doesn’t want to lose anyone else than because she thinks it right. K[atharine] and Viola, who, with Diana, dined with her, disagreed violently on the subject.—(1 Dec.) The King and Queen visited the hospital yesterday and asked after Montagu. The King referred to Mrs Besant as an ‘odious woman’. Afterwards she visited Montagu’s mother and went to a party at the India Office to meet some Indian officers. Birrell, Phyllis, and Blanche dined with her. She and Lutyens are lunching together today, then going off with the Nobles.

Wretham Hall, Thetford.—Describes Wretham Hall and its estate.

24 Queen Anne’s Gate, S.W.—(2 Dec.) She drove with Lutyens to Breccles and they examined the house and discussed what needs to be done. They returned to Wretham for lunch, and are now off to London. (3 Dec.) Has received his letter from Aden [B1/146].

(The first sheet was rewritten on 1 December, the original having been lost.)

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Begins the letter with a quote from an original version of the British national anthem: 'God bless Great George, our King!', since it is the birthday of 'a less mischievous monarch [George V] than was born tomorrow [George III]'. Likes to think of Elizabeth and Julian in a house where he expects they will be as happy as she kindly says they were at Welcombe; he and Caroline miss them both very much. Glad that Aunt Annie liked his speech; will always 'connect it with [Elizabeth's] presence'; originally encloses a 'photograph of the scene', and a picture card of a ward. The wards are all full now; will visit them soon. Thanks Elizabeth and Annie for asking, and his cold is quite better. Notes in a postscript that a figure [in the photograph] is Canon Melville.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Interested in Robert's account of the 'lesser Hunt'; the only test of a game is 'personal experience'; nobody would think that baseball could become the 'national sport of America' judging only from a written account. Would like to be with Robert at Seatoller, and take the sort of walks he did with Edward Young, Arthur Humphreys, and Henry Sidgwick; 'it is good to have such friends in one's own sons'. Has just been to London to be sworn in a Privy Councillor before the new King, who wears his naval uniform which is 'very effective for a King of England'. Glad Robert took Bessy to the Japanese Exhibition [the Japan–British Exhibition at White City]; looks forward to seeing the Oriental paintings at the British Museum.

Vernon House, Hartington Place, Eastbourne. - Caroline is at last 'really convalescent' and will stay at Eastbourne for a week; he himself goes to Welcombe tomorrow. Booa [Mary Prestwich] and Pantlin will stay with Caroline. This is a 'spick-and-span watering place', ready for a crowd which has not yet come. Is 'rather overset' by the King's death; reminds him of when he was invited, 'as a sort of typical undergraduate' to dine at Madingley [Hall] on the day of the Prince's coming to Cambridge. Only Sir George, [the Duke of] St Albans, and the Prince 'a pretty, very young boy' were there; Sir George was by some years the oldest, and now is the only survivor. Has had opportunity to observe the new King well; the old King is, politically, 'a terrible loss, with his immense authority and popularity and his tried Liberalism!'. Agrees that much of [Samuel Butler's] "Erewhon" is 'rather pretentious'. Sends love to Elizabeth. Was delighted by the picture of Robert and Julian.

The Shiffolds. - He and Bessie are very glad to hear that his mother is 'really getting better now'. Hopes the weather will 'really improve for a time', which will help her to completely recover; yesterday it was very cold here, but today it is fine and much warmer. Julian is doing well; his nurse has been unwell but seems to be recovering. Bessie 'goes out with them every afternoon in the donkey-cart, which is proving very useful'.

Is glad his father has had a 'good impression of the new king' [see 12/172]. The worst Robert has heard of him is that he is a 'tariff-reformer', which would be a pity if true, but 'would not perhaps much matter if he is otherwise sensible and impartial like his father'. Wishes they could 'have the Coronation this autumn, so as to clear the way for dealing with the Lords'.

George and Janet came to the Shiffolds last Sunday for the day; unfortunately Robert could not be there, but Bessie says they seemed 'very well and cheerful'; George 'seems to have had a very successful tour in Italy'. Will write to his mother in a few days; thinks Bessie is writing today.

1 Brick Court, Temple, London, E.C.4. Dated 31 January 1921 - The Royal Society will ask him to give a report on his expedition; Abbé Breuil will give an illustrated lecture on prehistoric caves; is pleased to hear the King has asked the Colonial Secretary Winston Churchill to consult him; asks for a list of those he wishes invited to hear the lecture, suggests Churchill and Sir Herbert Read.

Buckingham Palace - Printed letter completed in typescript announcing restricted permission from the King to wear the insignia of the Cross of Commander of the Order of Leopold.

Accompanied by the envelope.

India Office, London.—Will come on Wednesday. Explains why he left London to avoid the Coronation and then returned to attend it. Describes the ceremony.

Including letter from the King acknowledging the fallen.

as from Trinity College, Cambridge - Asks that he convey his acceptance of the high honour of the Order of Merit and asks that he also convey his 'devoted loyalty to His Majesty and to His illustrious House'. Three words have been crossed out, all of them the word 'most': before 'grateful acceptance', 'devoted loyalty', and 'obedient servant'.

Hotel des Alpes, Mürren. - Arrived yesterday and plan to stay for more than a week; it is a 'wonderful place' though the air is 'rather fatiguing' at first. She will rest today; Sir George is very well and 'walks a great deal'. The electric railway to Interlaken is pleasant and travels through some fine passes. Very sorry to hear from Elizabeth about the Russells; [their separation] is 'surprising and very sad'; sure Russell is 'difficult, & the family are rather uncompromising' but he is 'a quiet good fellow'; does not know her [Alys] well but thought she seemed 'to belong to another "monde"'. Likes to think of Julian almost walking; asked what is settled about the nurses, and whether Mrs Catt is going to the hospital; it is very sad. People must be very anxious about the weather [for the Coronation]; is glad to be 'out of it all'; Mürren is completely quiet, with no road for carriages, and Bob would love it. Glad Julian likes his cart. George says [he and Janet] are going on 12 July to the Lakes, and would like to come to Wallington in September; asks if Elizabeth and Robert could be there for some of that time. Is glad the [Lake] Hunt was a success once more, it is 'a wonderful institution'. Thinks C[harles] and M[ary] will enjoy themselves at the [Coronation] festivities. Sends love to Robert, and asks if Mr [Roger] Fry is coming.

Buckingham Palace - Offers the Order of Merit, 'in recognition of your eminent services in the world of literature, science and scholarship'; asks if this would be agreeable to Frazer. Accompanied by the envelope marked Urgent, addressed to Frazer at Trinity College and redirected to Hotel Great Central, London, N.W.1.

Wengen. - Delighted to imagine Julian walking; hopes Elizabeth will be less troubled when the new nurse is settled and 'poor Mrs Catt gone'. They have good weather again, and there are beautiful views. The railway 'goes up over the Heidegg [sic: Scheidegg pass?]; they went up there yesterday and looked into the Lauterbrunnen valley. She is feeling much better. Sir George is 'so intensely & simply delighted with his order [the Order of Merit]'; he has had an 'avalanche of letters' which he loves replying to. They plan to get to London on 5 July; Sir George will receive the Order from the King on the 6th, then go up to Wallington; Caroline will go to Annie at the Park till the 10th; asks if she and Elizabeth can meet in London. Must wait till Wallington to see Julian. Asks if there is a photograph of him walking. C[harles] and M[ary] seem to have much enjoyed themselves [at the Coronation?], and the 'children's visit was a success'. Preparations for summer visitors in Switzerland are 'on a gigantic scale', though it is still quite quiet. They begun their journey home tomorrow.

Pen Rose, Berkhamsted. - The Prime Minister has asked George to 'go to Cambridge [as Regius Professor of History]' and he has accepted; the 'K[ing]'s pleasure has yet to be taken' so this is still a secret. Has been to Cambridge and talked to the 'principal history dons there with satisfactory results' about what he can do, and need not do, there. [His book, "History Under] Queen Anne" will move more slowly, but she will move'. Expects they will move there in January; sketches out his movements for the next month or so; will have the 'fun of writing an Inaugural Lecture up in the North'. Discusses financial affairs, and the amount Bob can expect to receive from him [from the Hallington estate].

Albemarle Club, 37 Dover Street, W.1. Dated 27 Dec. 1918 - Saw [Arthur] Keith at the Athenaeum, who explained the delay with the expedition committee [of the Royal Society] is that Walter Long wants to head it but has to wait until the election to see if he is Colonial Secretary; Keith will see that funds are available after Lilly explained to him that at the Army & Navy Stores it is necessary to pay when giving an order; had a good view of the King and President Wilson driving to the palace.

King's fall from his horse and the sinking of the ship that had taken him to France are untoward events besides the German advance through Serbia, encourages G K M Butler to read passages from Thucydides.

Refers to A3/27/9. Has replied to A3/27/5. Is distressed to hear the view that they were frightened to strike against the ringleaders, but is sure that Montagu did his best to explain the situation to the King. Colonel Kaye reports that the situation in Lahore has improved. Discusses the engagements arranged for the Prince there.

(Typed.)

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Glad that Elizabeth has heard of some nurses who may suit her, but sorry that she has this trouble. Good that Julian is so well; she and Sir George hope to visit in October and see him. Thinks [E. M.] Forster must be interesting, since his novels are 'so clever & original', though she does not think he manages plot well. Has been reading [Myra Kelly's] "Little Aliens", about 'the little Jew children in America', which is 'pretty & funny; but quite slight'. Sorry Mr [Donald] Tovey is not progressing quickly, but it must require much work to write the music for an opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"]; probably best that it will not be put on next summer, as 'the world will be simply mad over the Coronation'. George's children are 'much improved': Mary has shown no signs of temper; Theo is 'passionate occasionally' but still young, and a 'very nice boy'; [Humphry] seems quite strong now.

Windsor Castle: Sends condolences on the death of Gordon Butler on behalf of the King.

War Office, Whitehall, S.W.—The Secretary of State wants the two telegrams marked A and B [A3/46/6 and A3/46/10] circulated to the Cabinet and the King.