Search Results

Diary extracts and correspondence, thematically arranged, with extensive footnotes identifying newspaper coverage and parliamentary speeches, dealing with Woolton’s policies and actions on rationing against the background of the development of the Battle of the Atlantic. It gives insights into the challenge of maintaining supplies given the toll on shipping, the negotiations with key groups such as farmers, the challenge of maintaining staff morale at Colwyn Bay (including the discreet visits there made by Woolton for this purpose), revealing also the key roles played by men like Sir Henry French and John Redcliffe Maud. Entries and speeches reveal Woolton’s frustration with party politics and the Civil Service in other departments, as well as with key figures like Churchill and Robert Hudson Spear.

Diary extracts and correspondence, thematically arranged, with extensive footnotes identifying newspaper coverage of Woolton’s policies and actions on rationing, as the Battle of the Atlantic continued, with the added complication of the entry of the USA into the war, given the impact on supply management. The toll on shipping continued to provide a challenge to imports from the Empire. Woolton’s continuing consciousness of the importance of media-related strategies of explain and so gather public support for Ministry policies (including changes in rations) is revealed, and his continuing frustration with party politics, fellow politicians and other departments (including Agriculture) are revealed. The challenges of engaging with Churchill are shown to have continued, while his positive relations with the Royal Family continued.

Diary extracts and correspondence, thematically arranged, with extensive footnotes identifying newspaper coverage and parliamentary speeches, dealing with Woolton’s policies and actions on rationing after being appointed Minister of Food. Thematic headings include management of the Ministry, relations with other Departments of State (and their heads), relations with the public, relations with Churchill, and relations with the Royal Family. Under these headings, Woolton’s ability to engage the public via a carefully developed media strategy (aided by Howard Marshall), his thinking on the importance of his broadcasts and publicity initiatives is revealed. Insights into the challenges of getting rationing accepted as being ‘fair’, the problems of supply and of relations with farmers is revealed. It also shows the development of relations between Woolton and Churchill, as well as the Royal Family.

Diary extracts and correspondence, thematically arranged, with extensive footnotes identifying newspaper coverage of Woolton’s policies and actions on rationing in the last 11 months of his time as Minister of Food. It reveals his consciousness that his work at the Ministry was no longer the challenge it had been, especially during 1941 and 1942, and that he was thinking of returning to his business career rather than carrying on at the Ministry. He continued to be frustrated by party politicking, and while retaining his consciousness of the importance of continuing the management of the media to retain popular support for Ministry policies, his enjoyment of that role is inflected by a weariness over the split-site management dimension. His relations with Churchill and fellow politicians were a factor and his consciousness that the tide of war had turned in the Allies favour is revealed when he voiced a number of criticisms of Churchillian strategy in prioritising the war fronts over evolving strategies for post-war reconstruction, leading up to his reaction to Churchill offering him the post of Minister in the new Ministry of Reconstruction that Churchill had proposed. .