Item 29 - Letter from F. W. Pethick-Lawrence to Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence

87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—At today’s meeting they discussed the coercive measures introduced in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, and it was agreed to form an unofficial committee to receive information from South Africa and act in concert with the Dutch.

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Transcript

87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.

Beloved

Just going to bed, I see the stars are out & I think that will mean my Mumsey will sleep well. I kiss this at the foot {1}.

Courtney, Lehman†, Gooch & F Harrison and others were at the Mackarnesses this afternoon. One of the things Fischer talked about was the Peace Reservation Act which is a kind of stringent coercion Act enforced by Milner in the Transvaal & O R C {2} and prevents a man from saying or writing anything of which the Govt does not approve. It appears there is not much to be done but to protest.

The principal thing we discussed was the possibility of forming some sort of unofficial Committee which might receive information from S. Africa with a view to using it. How far could it act in concert with the Dutch in the T & O R C & with the Dutch Party in Cape C. We formed ourselves into a kind of unofficial body, which I regard more as as† bureau of information than anything else.

Mrs Mackarness was interested in J R M {4}, & I suggested they shd come to dine here with them some day, which she thought very pleasant. So I suggest Tuesday fortnight. Mumsey will be fit as anything by then; & I don’t think we have engagement. I have fixed up provisionally with the Ms {3} and unless there is anything to the contrary, will you send off enclosed.

Some time later I should like to ask the Bunces {5}.

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{1} There is a cross at the foot of the page.

{2} Orange River Colony.

{3} Mackarnesses.

{4} James Ramsay MacDonald.

{5} Reading uncertain.

† Sic.