The papers consist of copies of personal papers from various stages in Lascelles's career, and other material relating to Lascelles, including: letters and diary from his posting to Paris [France] during the Franco-Prussian War and at the beginning and end of his position as Ambassador to Germany; the diary of his family's visit to Iran in 1892; press cuttings of obituaries for Lascelles.

The material held at Churchill Archives Centre mainly consists of Colville's diaries. They provide an insight into the decision-making of three Prime Ministers and the meetings held with other top officials, as well as the lives of key figures during World War II, and its aftermath.

The collection relates primarily to Sir Michael’s involvement with policy on Europe. It includes his diaries from 1961-4, and a memoir of his time at the Cabinet Office from 1977-81. This memoir was written by Sir Michael in retirement.

Letter from Sir Edward Grey [Foreign Secretary] (Fallodon, Lesbury, Northumberland), to WSC, enclosing a letter from Sir Louis Mallet [Assistant Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs], (Foreign Office), on the pros and cons of sending a British naval squadron to Trieste [Italy], in the autumn, particularly the risks to relations with Austria and Italy; annotated by WSC: "It certainly sums up the cons very effectively".

Minute from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to Sir Edward Grey [Foreign Secretary] on Austria's declaration of war on Japan. WSC suggests that the Japanese Government be sounded out on the possibility of sending a battle squadron to the Mediterranean, stating that there was reason to believe that Japan would take the invitation as a compliment. [Typescript copy on Colonial Office notepaper].

Telegram from Henry Beaumont, [Counsellor, British Embassy, Constantinople (later Istanbul)] reporting his conversation with the Grand Vizier, on Turkey's undertaking to remain neutral in the European War, and also on the German presence in Turkish ships. Includes note by WSC stating that this uncertainty would not do, and that a protest must be made to the Foreign Office. [Carbon].

Memorandum by Sir Edward Grey [Foreign Secretary] giving reasons against WSC's possible meeting with Grand- Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz [Head of the German Navy]; also includes Grey's draft telegram to Sir [William] Edward Goschen [British Ambassador to Germany] declining the meeting. [Typescript draft by WSC].

Letter from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to Lewis Harcourt [Secretary of State for the Colonies] regretting that there was no cruiser available to visit the island of Yap [in the Caroline Islands, Pacific Ocean], which had been taken over [from Germany] by Japan. WSC states that there was no military reason to eject the Japanese, and that the Admiralty would strongly deprecate any suspicious or ungracious act towards Japan. [Typescript copy].

Letter from Sir Edward Grey [Foreign Secretary] to WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty], on his conversation with Count Paul Metternich [German Ambassador to Britain], stating that negotiations with Germany were on an amicable footing, and he was reluctant to publish any papers about naval matters that might give rise to controversy.

Letter from "H of C" [1st Lord Haldane, Secretary of State for War] to WSC on naval policy in the Mediterranean, and its effect on the Foreign Office and War Office.

Letter from Edward, Lord Halifax [earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin, Foreign Secretary] to WSC offering to help with the foreign side of WSC's workload in any way he can; declines to lead the House of Lords as he feels unable to attend sittings every day. [manuscript].

Note from Edward Marsh [Private Secretary to WSC] to WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty], reporting on his meeting with Noel Noel-Buxton on the Balkans, particularly the need to persevere with diplomacy, and the misfortune of having the pro-Serbian Sir Henry Bax-Ironside as [Minister Plenipotentiary] to Bulgaria.

Telegram from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to Enver Pasha [Turkish Minister of War], urging him to preserve Turkish neutrality instead of siding with Germany, and threatening him with Allied sea-power. [Hand-written draft, 2 copies].

Minute from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to Sir Edward Grey [Foreign Secretary], noting that as Austria had declared war on Japan, and in view of the situation with Turkey, the Japanese Government should be asked if they would send a battle-squadron to co-operate with the Allies. WSC adds that this would encourage Italy, and help gain command of the Baltic. Includes note by Grey asking for a meeting to discuss the matter. [Hand-written copy].

Letter from Sir Edward Grey [Foreign Secretary] to WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty], on the German cruiser Dresden's presence in Chilean waters, and the possibility of sinking her. Grey advises against the violation of Chilean territorial waters.