1905 Letters Aiming to Discuss the Concept of an Imperial Intelligence Department in Canada

On offer are two autographed letters, dated 1905, written and signed by Pitt Kennedy, assistant to Sir Frederick Pollock, 3rd Baronet (1845-1937). 

The two autographed letters written to Edward Blake (1833-1912) are requesting an appointment with Sir Frederick Pollock on his visit to Canada to discuss his concept for an Imperial “Intelligence” Department and a permanent Imperial Commission.

BIO NOTES:

Mr. Pitt Kennedy, The Honorary Secretary, had visited Canada, and Advocated proposals for the organisation of the Empire. The proposals, in brief, were the establishment of an Advisory Council, a Secretarial Office (afterwards described as an Imperial “Intelligence” Department and a permanent Imperial Commission. Twelve month’s investigation, in which Australasia, Canada, South Africa, and other overseas parts of the Empire were included.

Sir Frederick Pollock, the eminent jurist and imperialist. An authority on legal and political science in all its branches. He is the author of a number of works which are recognized by lawyers and scholars generally to be of the greatest value. Also known for his lifelong correspondence with US Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Dominick Edward Blake was a lawyer and politician. Known as Edward Blake, was the second Premier of Ontario, Canada, from 1871 to 1872 and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 1880 to 1887. To view Blake strictly as a politician does him injustice. His clearest victories and greatest impact occurred elsewhere: in the shaping of his party and in the imprint of his mind on equity and constitutional law. During his career he shaped much law, as a premier, as a minister of justice, as a leading figure in parliamentary opposition, and especially as a lawyer in the courts.

Letters are small 8v0, autographed and in VG condition.