The Henson Journals

[218]

Tuesday, May 27th, 1919.

I wrote at some length to Rawlinson (M.P. for Cambridge Univ.) on the Enabling Bill, invoking his assistance in the matter of amendments. Then I wrote to Archbishop Söderblom definitely postponing the lectures in Upsala until next year. After lunch we (Ella, our 2 guests, & I) motored into the country, & paid some calls, winding up with tea at Mordiford: with Mrs Mawdsley.

I was shocked to hear that Mr de Castro, Vicar of Halford, died yesterday. On March 27th, when I administered confirmation in his church, he seemed to be in good health, & I had not heard that he was ill. I wrote to his widow stating my intention of attending the funeral.

The Revd E. St G. Schomberg, Vicar of St Andrew's, sent me the draft of a paper, which is to be sent to the peers urging them to reject the Enabling Bill, and asked me by return of post to make any suggestions which I would, & to authorize the addition of my signature.I did make some suggestions, and told him that he might add my signature if the Bishop of Manchester also signed the document, not otherwise. The paper seemed to me very crudely expressed, & I do not think much of the Committee which has drawn it up, but I do not think it wise to pour cold water on any effort in the direction at which I myself aim.

[219]

May 27th 1919

My dear Lord Archbishop,

I had hoped to hear from you, and, as the carriage of letters has hardly yet recovered its former security, I think it advisable to prevent the possibility of misunderstanding by writing again.

On March 26th last, I sent you a letter in which I set forth the reasons why I thought it important that my lectures shd be postponed until the autumn of next year, viz: Sept–Oct. 1920: and I begged for your opinion on the point.

I assume that your silence implies your approval of my own view, & that you will expect me to lecture next year as I desire.

I enclosed a brief sketch of the lectures wh. I propose to give: and, when you can find the requisite leisure, I shall be grateful if you can tell me whether it accords with your wishes. I need not add that I shall value any suggestions you may be pleased to make.

Most sincerely yours,

H. H. Hereford.

The Most Reverend

The Lord Archbishop of Upsala.

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