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.

Note by [?Sir Edward Grey, later Lord Grey of Fallodon] (Foreign Office) on a letter referring to British policy in Asia Minor.

Letter from WSC (Board of Trade) to Sir Edward Grey [later Lord Grey of Fallodon] denying that he has tried to usurp the position of the Prime Minister [Herbert Asquith, later Lord Oxford and Asquith] and Grey in the area of foreign policy. Draft in WSC's hand.

Letter from Sir Edward Grey [later Lord Grey of Fallodon] (Fallodon, Christon Bank, Northumberland) to WSC justifying his warning to WSC to be careful about discussing foreign policy with prominent politicians in France.

Letter from Douglas M Gane (456 Great St Helen's, [London]) to WSC asserting that in view of the growth of French power on the Atlantic coast of Morocco Britain should have safeguarded her communications with Cape Colony [South Africa] by obtaining the right to use the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife [Canary Islands], which could have been done by including Spain in the recent Anglo-French agreement.

Letter from 5th Lord Rosebery (Villa Rosebery, Posilipo, Naples, [Italy]) to WSC denying that he was referring to WSC or David Lloyd-George in pointing out that active speech-making rather than proof of administrative ability leads to appointment to high government office. Criticises Lloyd- George for having reportedly claimed that the Government is pursuing a Liberal foreign policy.

Letter from William Royle (Elmwood, Rusholme, [Manchester]) to WSC reporting dissatisfaction among Liberal ranks with the Government's hostile attitude towards Germany and its subservient policy towards Russia with regard to Persia [Iran].

Letter from WSC (Admiralty) to William Royle citing the growth of German naval power as the reason why Britain should not antagonise Russia in Persia [Iran]. Warns that France may be forced into war with Germany to avoid national humiliation, but hopes that the rise of democratic forces in Germany and the recovery of Russia after her disasters in Manchuria [China] will lessen the threat of German aggression. Signed and annotated typescript copy.

Letter from Sir Edward Grey [later Lord Grey of Fallodon] (Foreign Office) to WSC returning a draft [?of a letter by WSC defending the Government's foreign policy; see CHAR 2/53/86-87], agreeing with the point about German naval expenditure and asserting that the Manchester Guardian and others have incorrectly assessed the increase in Britain's political responsibility in northern Persia [Iran] following the Anglo-Russian agreement.

Letter from Sir John French [later Lord French and Lord Ypres] (22 North Audley Street, Grosvenor Square, [London]) to WSC enclosing military maps and a pamphlet on the Normandy peninsula [France] to illustrate his recent remarks on the strength of an Anglo- French military alliance.

Letter from Sir Arthur Nicolson [later 1st Lord Carnock] (Foreign Office) to WSC on the threatened occupation by Italy of Tripoli [Libya] and the possible response of Turkey and Germany. Thinks the occupation will expedite the settlement of the Morocco question [the Agadir crisis] and that Britain shoud remain neutral.

Letter from Arthur Balfour [later Lord Balfour] (4 Carlton Gardens, Pall Mall, [London]) to WSC stating that he has written to Sir Edward Grey [later Lord Grey of Fallodon] [about the European situation].

Letter from Irene Noel (Hotel Continental, Athens, [Greece]) to WSC reporting that Eleutherios Venezelos of Greece is to visit Britain for talks. Outlines the Greek position on Salonika and on self-government for Albania and urges the British government not to give too much support to Bulgaria as opposed to Greece. Asks that Admiral Tufnell be replaced by a more efficient man to command the navy in Greece.

Letter from Sir Edward Grey [later Lord Grey of Fallodon] (14 Sloane Gardens, [London]) to David Lloyd George reporting on the meeting of European ambassadors and on peace negotiations between Turkey and the Balkan states. Copy. Sent with CHAR 2/57/74.