Showing 1375 results

Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, Home Secretary and Minister for Welsh Affairs, Home Office, Whitehall, London SW1. Regrets approaching the recipient in the middle of the summer recess, but there are a few matters which have been outstanding for a long time which should be capable of an early solution. One is the refusal of the Welsh Office of Local Government and Planning to give information to the Panel which Sir William Jones chairs. This cuts across the assurances which the Council has been given relating to its right of access to information which is considered vital on any Welsh matter. The second matter is the difficulties of the Welsh Tourist Board and the need for further assistance. The survey was conducted at the request of the Board of Trade, but there has as yet been no indication of what is contemplated. The third matter is the Council's long term policy. The Royal Commission's Report on Scotland would appear to suggest that Scotland is likely to receive a further large slice of new powers. Conjectures whether, now that the financial stringency has passed, a Commission might examine thoroughly the Welsh problem. Could they meet to discuss these matters after Parliament has reassembled?.

Rt Hon. C. R. Attlee, MP, House of Commons, London SW1. Many are concerned about the Party, especially during and since the last party conference. Many members were totally opposed to the line taken over the Paris Agreement and the rearmament of Western Germany. The writer's own opposition was not based on dislike for the German people (in spite of the Hitler period), but rather from the realisation that they would be completely at variance with their German Socialist colleagues, and that the action would inevitably result in the division of the German nation into East and West blocks of influence. Fears that the recent Russian offer over Free Elections may simply be another Russian tactic, although it may be a reflection of a genuine desire to find a solution. It is essential to accept the Russian offer in order to test their motives, and it is sad to see two statesmen like Herbert Morrison and Hector McNeil in complete disagreement on such a vital issue as the future of Germany. Thanks for CRA's lead to the movement on the Korean issue. Hopes that CRA's stand in this will bring the party into line under his leadership. If current press reports are to be believed, CRA's line at the last party meeting at the House is the only line which will put heart into the Labour movement and bring victory at the next general election. They have corresponded on the future of Lady Megan Lloyd George who had declared her intention of joining the Labour movement, but had been deterred in the interim. One factor was the failure of the Wales Council of Labour to show sympathy with the Parliament for Wales Campaign. Although it is difficult for prominent members of the Labour Party to support the Campaign because they are regularly vilified by the Welsh Nationalists in the press, the Labour Party could at least show some understanding of the natural aspirations of the Welsh people for a greater control over their lives other than in the economic field and in foreign affairs. Now understands that it remains Lady Megan's intention to join the Labour Party while attempting to bring over some of the younger, more radical element within the Liberal Party, something which the writer believes could be of vital importance at the next general election. Many within the Liberal Party who see no future for it are deterred from joining Labour by their fear that it is too rigorous and tight as was reflected recently in the withdrawal of the whip from those who voted against the party decision on the German rearmament issue. 'Personal' For reply see A1/208.

Major the Rt Hon. Gwilym Lloyd-george, Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Welsh Affairs, Home Office, Whitehall, London SW1. The recipient wrote to him on 25 June about the financial problems of the proposed Festival of Wales in 1958. He was very disappointed to find that there is to be no special government grant to meet the cost of the central organisation which will have to be set up if the Festival is to succeed. Hoped that there would be some way around this difficulty. Agrees that all existing commitments should be examined to see where economies can be effected. The Festival, if it takes place at all, must be held in 1958. The need for a government grant is certainly urgent, and he does hope that the decision can be reversed. Any money forthcoming from the Government would be more in the nature of an 'investment' than a 'grant', and he feels certain that the ultimate benefit to the country and the tourist industry would greatly exceed the sum expended. Is not happy about the idea of launching a national appeal. Many throughout Wales believe that the cost of the central organisation of the Festival should be borne by central government. Nor would it be reasonable to expect the Arts Council to finance the Festival out of its existing budget. For the suggestion to be practicable, the grant made available to the Arts Council would need to be increased. Any approach to the Arts Council would look better if made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the recipient rather than by the Festival Committee. Is unsure what is the best way ahead. Feels that government support is essential to prevent the proposal falling to the ground.

Blaise Gillie, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Is glad of the opportunity to comment on the suggestions. Had hoped that, when the time came to announce that John Clement was relinquishing his post as the Secretary of the Council, his promotion could be announced at the same time as the appointment of the person in charge of the Division which the Minister intends to set up in charge of Welsh Affairs. Knows nothing about Mr Douglas Morgan, but is not too worried about whether he can speak Welsh or not, so long as he feels that working for the Council is a worthwhile position. Is disappointed by the suggestion that he should come to the Council as a Higher Executive Officer. John Clement is a Senior Executive Officer, and the writer hopes that Mr Morgan could be upgraded to the same level when he assumes the Secretaryship. Is very glad that Mr Keith Trimnell is to remain in post as the Assistant Secretary; the writer has found him to be first class. Agrees totally that the work of the Council should be divorced on its secretarial side from the Conference of heads of governmental departments. Written in reply to A1/313.

M. Chapman-walker, Managing Director, TWW Ltd, 30 Bouverie Street, London EC4. Has kept in touch with Cardiff continuously, and believes that Pontcanna Farm is bound to be confirmed at the meeting on 11 March. Agrees that there will be no need for the approval of the Ministry. Has been informed that the evidence to be presented at the Local Enquiry is almost certain to lead to a favourable decision concerning the mast. The Welsh Advisory Council is to be represented by Mr Vernon Lawrence, Clerk to the Monmouthshire County Council and Secretary to the Civil Aviation Committee. Mr Kenneth Davies himself will be absent. Huw T. Edwards feels that, if the recipient himself could be present, it would be better than having two or three Welsh members of the Board. Is hopeful that this cannot go wrong. Written in reply to A1/314.

Brigadier H. S. K. Mainwaring, Hafod-y-Coed, St Asaph, Flintshire. Appreciates the fact that the recipient found the time to write so fully. It has been a privilege to work with the recipient as Lord Lieutenant for Flintshire, and he will be sorry to break his connection with the County Advisory Committee. But the writer feels that he is acting correctly, and that these offices should not be carried by the same person for too long. Has examined carefully the existing composition of the Petty Sessional Divisions, and makes a number of suggestions which he hopes will prove helpful. Recommends a number of people whom he would judge to be worthy of sitting on the bench.

Emrys Roberts. Thanks for the letter and for the copy of the letter which the recipient has sent to the Daily Post. Feels sure that, if the recipient stated that Socialism and the co-operative policy of Plaid Cymru were synonymous, then they could win over a number of Socialists into Plaid Cymru, but at the same time Plaid Cymru would lose many of its supporters at the same time. As a Socialist, he was outraged by the attitude of Plaid Cymru towards small children seeking homes during the Second World War. The principle of the policy was totally anti-Socialist and notably visionless as it was a marvellous opportunity to win the support of young English people as backers to the efforts of the Welsh Nation. There is no doubt that this one action has created animosity among many who were previously warm supporters of Plaid Cymru. Wonders whether it would be appropriate in a letter like the recipient's to look back at the tactics of Plaid Cymru generally over recent years. Feels that it is a huge mistake to launch attacks on prominent figures like Jim Griffiths who are widely revered in Wales. Thinks it is also a tactical error to put up Plaid Cymru parliamentary candidates against sitting Labour MPs who are supporters of the Parliament for Wales Campaign. Are there some within Plaid Cymru who pay attention to the growth of the Socialist Party? The ILP is almost wholly responsible for this amazing growth which is almost miraculous. The only way Plaid Cymru is going to win seats in Wales is by enlisting the support of members of the other political parties, and not just one or two but splitting the parties. The only way of achieving this is by taking advantage of the schism in the Labour Party. If he felt that it would benefit Wales if he were to join the ranks of Plaid Cymru, he would do so at once. Early in the new year he proposes to call a conference with the purpose of establishing a parliament on Welsh soil, and he intends to invite to this conference representatives from every country in the world. Feels that the way ahead is as Welshmen of every political party rather than as nationalists. 'Confidential' Welsh For reply see A1/515.

Lord Cilcennin, 5 Rutland Gate, Knightsbridge, London SW7. Feels that it is imperative for the recipient and Sir Grismond Philipps to meet Dr Haydn Williams (chief sponsor of the new TV service for Wales). Is quite willing and happy to arrange this meeting if the recipient is agreeable. If his information is correct, then their prospects are very bright indeed, and it should now be possible to secure a working arrangement with them which would be beneficial to TWW. Regrets his inability to be more explicit at the moment. Had hoped to attend the meeting on Thursday, but he has to stay on at Cardiff, or he would have taken advantage of the meeting to keep the recipient informed.

Sir Ifan Ab Owen Edwards. Rhydwen Williams is on the point of finishing with Granada, but he is being paid lavishly, and is being given six months' salary instead of three. He has worked on his own for about the last five years, and, although he is not perhaps a businessman, he is an artist to the tips of his fingertips. He was offered the opportunity to go to Dr Haydn's Company, but he refused. He has certainly enabled a number of people to make their mark in the world of television. The writer saw the suggestions in the minutes of the Pontcanna Meeting, and he would very much like to secure Sir Ifan's support to find a place for Rhydwen with them and for him to work directly under the leadership of Wyn Roberts. Rhydwen lives at Prestatyn and faces many problems. He would fill to a tee the kind of post which the recipient envisages. Could Sir Ifan invite Rhydwen down to see him? Has already spoken to Wyn about this matter and intends to speak to Bryan. It was good to read that Sir Ifan had been able to spend time at Cardiff to watch programmes. Welsh.

T. Mervyn Jones, Chairman, Wales Gas Board, Snelling House, Cardiff. The writer wishes, on the occasion of his retirement from the Board, to tender his grateful thanks for the friendliness and comradeship of each member and officer who serve the Board from time to time in various ways. The recipient was the ideal leader of the nationalised gas industry within Wales. Regrets that many of his old friends are no longer in the service of the Board. Feels very privileged in the colleagues with whom he has served on the Board. Hopes that he will still be able to attend special occasions as a guest. Written in reply to A1/760.

John Baxter, Managing Director, TWW Ltd. Gives a number of comments which he terms 'Eisteddfod afterthoughts', and reviews the changes which he perceives have taken place in the status of TWW as a result. The award of the chair by TWW was a great asset to the Board, and the fact that Rhydwen Williams won the Crown has helped to place the Rhondda Valleys on a pedestal which they truly deserve. Believes that RW should now be given a completely new status with the Company. Feels sure that the guiding hand of the recipient will prevent the Company from degenerating into a number of small cliques. There is now a need to convince the ITA and Sir Ben Bowen Thomas of the necessity to make their programmes available to the viewing public.

Mr Roys. Felt somewhat unhappy following their talk the other day. There is certainly a need to come to some understanding. Would be very willing to tender his resignation if he felt sure that the service would profit thereby. Outlines the differences which have arisen between the writer and the recipient. Hopes that they will be able to have an improved relationship in future.

Goronwy Roberts, Minister of State for Wales, Welsh Office, 47 Parliament Street, London SW1. Would like to nominate Mr J. O. Jones, MBE, the Secretary of the Anglesey RDC and of the Anglesey Tourist Council, to be the nominee from the recipient's department on their new Board. Otherwise the new Board has now been fully constituted, and they are very anxious that it should hold its first meeting in January. Would welcome the names of their representatives fairly soon.

Knows that Wyn Roberts has mentioned the Llangollen Eisteddfod to the recipient, and Huw T. Edwards writes only as a Vice-President who is tremendously interested in it. Any assistance which the recipient can provide will be much appreciated. Does not feel the need to write further.

Percy Jones JP, Glasllwch House, Newport, Monmouthshire. Encloses a copy of a letter which he has sent to Colonel Harry Llewellyn (see A2/158). Feels certain that Harry Llewellyn did not intend to hurt the recipient. Considers that it is important that the friendship between Harry Llewellyn and the recipient should be maintained. Harry Llewellyn values the recipient most highly. 'Private and Confidential'.

Lt Col. H. M. Llewellyn, Llanvair Grange, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Percy Jones was somewhat hurt by the recipient's reference to Rolls Royce. Percy Jones regards the recipient as having been brought up in a somewhat different way from him. 'He regards you as one of the old Welsh aristocracy, but he started as a shop assistant and to have acquired a Rolls Royce deservedly is regarded by him as a mark of distinction, not to himself so much as to his mother and father'. The recipient should write to Percy Jones in an attempt to heal the wound.

Wilfred Fienburgh, The Labour Party, Transport House, Smith Square, London SW1, to Mrs Eirene White. Gives figures for the use of the Party Chairman which should be of some value in the debate against Summers. Gives details of unemployment in various industries, details of share-holding in John Summers and of the dividends paid by the company as compared with the dividends paid by comparable companies.

G. W. Madoc Jones, Hon. Secretary of Plaid Ryddfrydol Cymru (The Liberal Party of Wales) to Dr R. Tudur Jones. Thanks for the letter and the readiness to co-operate. It is likely that they will now hold a straight public meeting, but he will write again should a seiat holi be confirmed. He heartily regrets the 'quite fratricidal strife' which exists between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberals, and would do anything to put an end to it. But in the meantime the struggle must continue, and he encloses a copy of the current Newsletter (A3/15a). He is not the only one who yearns that these differences could be ended for the benefit of Wales, but it would seem that certain insuperable obstacles still exist. The day may arrive when they will disappear.

Merfyn Pike, Home Office, Whitehall, London SW1 to Cledwyn Hughes. The recipient recently telephoned the writer's office about Emyr Llewelyn Jones, who was sentenced at the Carmarthen Assizes to twelve months' imprisonment for causing an explosion at the site of the Tryweryn Reservoir, and is currently a prisoner in Haldon Camp open prison. Has considered the case carefully, but the Home Secretary would not feel justified in recommending any interference with the sentence imposed by the court. Jones, like all convicted criminals, is allowed to write and to receive one letter a week - an allowance which applies to both open and closed prisons. If he has a special reason to wish to write an additional letter, he may apply to the governor who has discretion to grant such a discretion.