[ Fleet Street in the Thirties: Sir Robert Donald of United Newspapers and Ernest Outhwaite, editor of Leeds Mercury, Viscount Rothermere, Lord Harmsworth, Ernest Benn. ] TLsS from Donald and Outhwaite; copies of Rothermere and Benn letters.

Six items from the Rothermere papers, on disparate subjects, casting light on the workings of 1930s Fleet Street. In good condition, lightly aged. The six are described below in chronological order. ONE: Typed Copy of letter, '(sgd) ROTHERMERE', to Donald. Hotel Splendide, 105 Piccadilly, W.1. 12 November 1929. 1p., 4to. The letter begins: 'My dear Donald, | I quite understand all the peculiar difficulties with which you are surrounded in connection with the Anglo-Foreign Newspapers Ltd. | As you are a director, and are going to be made chairman, I wish to help you in every possible way.' He describes a share option he is willing to make, and concludes: 'I am a large shareholder in Anglo-Foreign Newspapers Limited, and this is in consideration of your remaining a director of the Company.' TWO: Typed Letter Signed from Ernest Outhwaite (director of the Leeds Mercury and described by Richard Bourne as 'a director and factotum of Rothermere') to 'Sir Robert'. On letterhead of La Dragonniere, Cap Martin, A.M. 8 April 1930. 1p., 4to. He quotes a long telegram he sent him regarding offers by Rothermere regarding 'Camrose' and the Newcastle Evening World, Newcastle Chronicle, Bristol Evening World, 'Bristol paper' and 'Derby paper'. He asks him to acknowledge receipt and 'pass on the suggestion'. THREE: Typed Copy of letter, 'signed) Rothermere', to Donald. Hotel Splendide. 3 June 1930. 1p., 4to. Requesting him to 'obtain from Lloyds Bank detailed particulars of the Hull and Grimsby Newspaper Company'. FOUR: Typed Copy of letter from the libertarian publisher Ernest J. Benn (1875-1954) to 'The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Rothermere, | The Daily Mail, | London.' Bouverie House, Fleet Street, E.C.4. 30 June 1930. The letter begins: 'Dear Lord Rothermere, | There can be no doubt as to the gravity of the coming economic crisis. For my own part I prefer those sections of your programme which deal with economy and freedom rather than this protective business whatever it may be called. | I was evidently wrong. I credited you with the controlling voice in Anglo Foreign Newspapers and through them Industrial Newspapers, and have thus looked upon you as to some extent responsible for a troup [sic] of publications that I would be very glad to have.' FIVE: Carbon copy of Typed Letter [from Rothermere] to unnamed recipient. 4 December 1930. 1p., 4to. Giving the conditions for granting 'an option on Forty Thousand Ordinary Shares in Northcliffe Newspapers Limited'. SIX: Typed Letter Signed from 'Robert Donald' to 'The Hon. Esmond Harmsworth, | Northcliffe House, E.C.4.' On letterhead of 12 Thorney Street, Palace Gate, W.8. 24 March 1932. 1p., 4to. With a few autograph corrections. He begins with the wish that Harmsworth has 'returned quite recovered' from his recent illness. 'I have had several talks with Sutton regarding the “Dispatch”. I am quite ready to begin the Causerie which we have discussed. I would not like it to be confined to politics. I am quite sure I can get exclusive political news when it is going, but it is not always available. In any case a gossipy newsy Causerie should be more comprehensive. At the same time, of course, I would not deal with social or society matters.'