Notes for WSC's speech (County Hall, London) on: civil defence forces in London and Civil Defence Review [in Hyde Park]; conditions in London; the German bombing of London; the prospects for the future; improvements to defence and shelters; and British bombing of Germany.Typescript laid out in "psalm style" with manuscript annotations in black ink and red crayon by WSC, and with pencil notes of changes suggested by Herbert Morrison [Home Secretary].

This collection mainly consists of private papers and correspondence, 1885-1954, and family papers, 1783-1963. The material, especially the ministerial and ambassadorial papers, collected together by David Geddes provides an insight into the 1910s and 1920s. The collection also includes Geddes' writings on medical, spiritual and military matters.

Letter from Air Marshal Sir John Salmond to WSC sending card for his brother-in-law, Matthew Smith's exhibition of paintings, also commenting on the "infantile paralysis" affecting his Home Defence Force.

Note from Mary Shearburn [Secretary to WSC, later Mary Thompson] to WSC, confirming that although construction of Anderson Shelters had ceased, there were a few available, at 10 pounds for a six seater, and 15 pounds for one accommodating up to 10 people [annotated by WSC, asking her to buy a large shelter for Chartwell, Kent].

Note from Mary Shearburn [Secretary to WSC, later Mary Thompson] to WSC, on air raid precautions at Chartwell [Kent], noting that there were adequate shelters for the staff and the cottages, that for anyone sleeping in the "big house" there was a cellar which would make a splendid shelter, leading out of the day nursery, and that if an Anderson Shelter were required for CSC when staying in the new cottage, a good place for it would be opposite the door to the muniment room.

Letter from Kathleen Hill [Secretary to WSC] to Brigadier Charles Hertzberg, Chief Engineer, 7th Corps, on camouflage at Chartwell [Kent]. [Carbon].

Letter from Brigadier Charles Hertzberg, Chief Engineer, 7th Corps, to Maryott Whyte, on camouflage at Chartwell [Kent], confirming that work on alteration of the ponds had been completed and that they had been made useless for the guidance of aircraft by night [annotated by WSC].

Note from Kathleen Hill [Secretary to WSC] to Commander Charles Thompson [Personal Assistant to WSC], news that WSC had been invited to lunch with the Canadian Division at Leatherhead [Surrey], also that the Canadian Engineers had been camouflaging the swimming pool and draining the lakes at Chartwell [Kent]. [Carbon].

Note by Kathleen Hill [Secretary to WSC], reporting a conversation between Maryott Whyte and the Chief Engineer, 7th Corps, on camouflage at Chartwell [Kent], particularly attempts to camouflage the middle pool, which was taking much time and labour, confirming that they would obtain WSC's permission before draining it.

Letter from Kathleen Hill [Secretary to WSC] to Maryott Whyte, on an estimate from Hammond and Hussey Limited, for a long ladder for use at Chartwell [Kent] in case of incendiary bombs.

Letter from [Grace Hamblin, Private Secretary to CSC] to Kent War Agricultural Executive Committee, asking if it would be possible to use German prisoners-of-war to remove barbed wire from the Chartwell estate [Kent]. [Carbon].

Note from Grace Hamblin [Private Secretary to CSC] to CSC, on the possibility of using German prisoners-of-war to clear barbed wire from the Chartwell estate [Kent], also on the possibility of employing a second gardener, and on the removal of two copper beech trees from in front of the house.

Letter from Sir Abe Bailey, Grand Hotel, Bagnoles de l'Orne, France, to WSC, praising his speech on the Air Force, and commenting on Germany, and the international situation.

House of Commons Amendment to the Address representing that the strength of British Air defences was "no longer adequate to secure the peace, safety and freedom of Your Majesty's faithful subjects" signed by WSC, Sir Robert Horne, Leo Amery, Frederick Guest, Lord Winterton and Robert Boothby [typescript copy, with handwritten annotations].

Letter from WSC to Edward Fitzroy [Speaker of the House of Commons], explaining that he wants to have a debate in Parliament on the work of the Committee of Imperial Defence's sub-committee on defence against attack from the air, to emphasize the importance of the subject. Unsigned copy.

Letter from Desmond Morton (Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1) to WSC, on Major General Henry Rowan-Robinson's book "Efficiency and Economy through a Ministry of Defence". Describing it as an able and compelling statement, and a valuable contribution to the subject, particularly the proposal for a single Ministry of Defence.

Letter from Lord Winterton (Eccleston Square, London SW1) to WSC, on the possibility of an Adjournment Debate on air policy. Stating that the Speaker [Captain Edward Fitzroy] had advised against, as the Government would be compelled to give a whole day debate after the Easter Recess.

Letter from Desmond Morton, Crockham Hill, Kent to WSC, expressing disappointment that WSC had not been appointed Minister of Defence, and criticising Baldwin's choice, Sir Thomas Inskip (later Lord Caldecote).

Telegram from Charles Taylor MP to WSC, expressing disappointment that WSC had not been appointed Minister of Defence.

Letter from Lord Lloyd, Portman Square, London W1 to WSC, criticising the appointment of Sir Thomas Inskip (later Lord Caldecote) as Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence. Commenting that Stanley Baldwin wanted someone who would give him no trouble or press any difficult questions or demands.

Letter from Paul Maze, Chinatown St., London SW1 to WSC, offering sympathy on him not being appointed Minister of Defence. Commenting that the public were beginning to realise that WSC was right. "Hitler will come to heel if he knows that all countries are against him".

Letter from the PS to Oliver Locker Lampson to Violet Pearman, PS to WSC, enclosing parliamentary question to the Prime Minister on the creation of the post of Minister for Defence, and asking if there could be a debate on the appointment.