Dr Banda's Letters, 1938-1988
Scope and Contents
Dr Banda's Letters: 1938-1988.
1. Letter: Hastings K. Banda to the Secretary, Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society, London. Rumour has reached Banda that the Royal Commission taking evidence on proposed closer union between the Rhodesias and Nyasaland is on its way back to Britain. As a native of Nyasaland with an education of University rank, he asks for a hearing. Edinburgh, 11 September 1938.
2. Extracts: Hastings Banda to Miss Marjorie Nicholson. He believes that time and numbers are on their side, and as the Nyasaland African Congress grows stronger, its influence will be greater. London, 10 April 1947.
3. Extracts: Hastings Banda to Rita Hinden (Fabian Society). There must be no granting of dominion status to any colony in Africa. Wherever there are a substantial number of Europeans, such status allows them to dominate the political life of the colony. Self-government only to be given where there is equality of political representation between Europeans and Africans, locally and centrally. 25 April 1947.
A European non-official member of the Legislative Council has come out publically in support of the educated Africans as opposed to Chiefs. He criticised Government policy in trying to keep out educated Africans in preference to Chiefs who, according to Banda, are not truly representative. London, 27 January 1948.
4-5. Letter, and pages from a letter. Hastings Banda to Mr S. J. T. Samkange, Bulawayo. Banda is anxious to establish contact with someone from Southern Rhodesia. He understands the particular difficulties there, but with hard work, these can be overcome, and he will be glad to help and advise, especially in the fight against the proposed scheme to remove the reservations from the Constitution. Advises Mr Samkange to write to MPs and the Secretaries of various bodies. London, July 1950.
6. H. K. Banda to Basil Davidson, Little Saling. Banda is not in a position to confirm or contradict the report of Mr Lewanka's statement in the Central African Post. Mr Lewanka is no longer President of the Northern Rhodesian African Congress. Mr Harry Nkumbula has been elected. London, 28 July 1951.
7. George Shepperson to Dr Hastings Banda, London. The writer hopes to meet the recipient in Edinburgh. He introduces himself and explains his particular interest in John Chilembwe and the 1915 Rising. Hopes Dr Banda may be able to put him in touch with any persons "in this country, the United States or Nyasaland" who might have information. Edinburgh, 20 February 1952.
8. Hastings Banda to George Shepperson. Arrangements to meet in London. ND. ?1952.
9. Letter: Hastings K. Banda to George Shepperson, Edinburgh. Dr Banda feels he can add nothing useful to the material George Shepperson has already collected. Dr Malekebu is the real authority on the subject. Banda, however, can explain that the Chilembwe incident did create a certain degree of national feeling among the Africans of Nyasaland and he believes such an event today would have far greater significance. Looks forward to discussing this. London, 24 February 1952.
10. George Shepperson to Dr Hastings K. Banda, London. Dr Banda's letter has 'whet his appetite' for a talk. He has a photograph of John Chilembwe which he is sure will interest Banda. Edinburgh, 27 February 1952.
11. Hastings K. Banda to George Shepperson, Edinburgh. He mentions two books by Hetherwick in which the author hints at a national movement among the Africans of Nyasaland. Banda finds the ability of Africans "to hold inviolate the secret of their own even when it is known to thousands of them" particularly striking. In this connection he notes that at the outbreak of the Chilembwe Rebellion "the most astounded men in the country were the Rev Dr Hetherwick and Mr R. S. Hynde, who had spent almost a lifetime in close touch with the rebellious section". London, 27 February 1952.
12. Hastings K. Banda to George Shepperson, Edinburgh. He sends two copies of his pamphlet. Thanks the recipient for his help in their struggle. He believes Federation would be a betrayal on the part of the British Government and people. London, 1 July 1952.
13. Hastings K. Banda to George Shepperson, Edinburgh. Dr Banda is anxious to receive copies of the documents they discussed. He is also interested in obtaining copies of treaties between Jumbe and the Government of Nyasaland, the African Lakes Corporation or other early trading organisations. London, 24 August 1952.
14. Hastings K. Banda to Mr Davidson. Dr Banda has at last returned to Nyasaland and feels overwhelmed by the "wild and enthusiastic welcome" he has received and is amazed how politically-minded the people have become. European settlers are worried by his presence and false rumours of the future abound - many of which arise from the Federal Government, having persuaded the Argus chain of papers not to publicise his meetings or activities, leaving all to "bush telegraph". So far, he considers the authorities have behaved "nicely", and he has already received many invitations, but as yet he is uncertain of the situation. Asks the recipient to write some articles on Nyasaland for the Tribune if he has time. Blantyre, 9 September 1958.
15. Dr H. Kamuzu Banda to Professor George Shepperson, Edinburgh. Thanks Professor Shepperson for his congratulations. Intends to discuss the establishment of a University College. Blantyre, 15 September 1961.
16. Professor Shepperson to Dr H. Kamuzu Banda. Delighted to hear that plans for a University College are so far advanced. Edinburgh, 2 October 1961.
17. Professor Shepperson to the Rev Professor J. Mcintyre, Edinburgh. He has heard that Professor Mcintyre is interested in Dr Banda's proposal to establish a separate University College somewhere on the site at Livingstonia. Anxious for Scottish Universities to be associated with the plan. Edinburgh, 2 October 1961.
18. H. Kamuzu Banda to Professor Shepperson. He is glad that Professor Shepperson has come across many items relating to the political history of Nyasaland. He has again been struck by the intensity of the struggle. Thanks the Professor for his congratulations and good wishes. Blantyre, 2 August 1964.
19. Basil [Davidson] to George Shepperson, Edinburgh. Glad that George Shepperson approves of his proposal for a book. He forwards a couple of Banda's letters and gives some information on Lewanika as a police informer. London, 24 April 1967.
20. George Shepperson to Basil Davidson, London. He is delighted with the Banda letters. Returns the originals and the Livingstone documents. Edinburgh, 26 April 1967.
21. H Kamuzu Banda to Professor George Shepperson, Edinburgh. He thanks the Professor for his letter, his book, and the stool. He remembers John and Frederick Moir and their children, and assures the recipient that the stool will be treasured. Professor Shepperson's interest in John Chilembwe pleases the writer, particularly as he believes that what Chilembwe started has now been completed - Malawi is free and independent and, by African standards, stable and prosperous. Zomba, 12 August 1988.
Dates
- Creation: 1938-1988
Creator
- Banda, Hastings Kamuzu, c 1898-1997 (First President of Malawi) (Correspondent, Person)
- Shepperson, George, 1922-2020 (Professor of Commonwealth and American History) (Correspondent, Person)
Language of Materials
Mostly English, with some Chewa.
Conditions Governing Access
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Full Extent
21 items
Genre / Form
Geographic
Topical
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
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