Writings on the Peace Conference, 1916-1936

Component identifier:

Series 22

Content Summary:

The first items in the series are Latham's pamphlet The significance of the PeaceConference from an Australian point of view (Melbourne, 1920), and Percy Deane's pamphlet Australia's rights: the fight at the Peace Table. They are followed by typescript notes on the Peace Conference, including 'The effect of the Peace Treaty upon Imperial relations' and 'The Peace Conference at work' and handwritten notes for many speeches on the Conference which Latham delivered between 1919 and 1925.

Most of the correspondence dates from 1919-1921 and is concerned with the publication and reception of Latham's pamphlet and the addresses that he gave to various clubs and societies. There is also correspondence with E. L. Piesse on Japanese opposition to the New Guinea mandate (1920); with Clement Jones on the role of the Dominions at the Conference, especially in relation to the mandates (1920), and with C. E. W. Bean concerning the Official War History (1934-1936).

The series also contains miscellaneous documents used by Piesse in 1920, articles by Latham in the Melbourne University Magazine (July 1920) and Both Sides (October 1920), notices of meetings addressed by Latham, and newscuttings (1919-1920).

Comprises Files 1-7 (Items 1-173). Newscuttings in Folder 7 have not been assigned item numbers.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The bulk of the collection was presented to the National Library by Sir John Latham in December 1963, a few months before his death. In November 1974 the Library purchased some further papers from a secondhand book dealer. They comprised family letters and photographs, some diaries and papers relating to the High Court. These papers have been amalgamated into the original collection.

Access and use