Item D22 - Typescript 'Report of the Committee on the Chair of American History and Institutions'

Signed E.A.B., A.B.S., G.K.C., D.W.B., M.C.K. Committee carefully considered Provost of Oriel's memorandum of 28 July 1947 and reply sent by Secretary-General of Faculties. They recognise force of many of G.N. Clark's arguments and would add difficulty in persuading American historians to accept Chair in view of financial sacrifice entailed. None the less committee recommend: that present regulations remain in force for 2 more years since there been insufficient experience of existing scheme. Clark suggests there will have been 4 years experience by end of academic year but for various reasons scheme did not work as intended in 1944-5 or 1946-7. Therefore feel that appointment of visiting professor under existing arrangements should be made for 1949-50 and 1950-51. Committee recommend that when present regulations come up for reconsideration by Council of Senate and General Board in 1948 these bodies should be invited to sanction appointments under existing scheme as far as 1951, but to defer reconsideration of permanent settlement by not more than 1 year. Felt by committee that longer period of consideration be required than 8-9 months particularly if substantial action to be taken, and that Faculty Board should reconsider position in 1 year's time. Committee concluded that primary need is for an Economic Historian and believe Walter Rostow, formerly Professor at Harvard, now working in Geneva, is available. Rostow originally a Rhodes Scholar and held Chair of American History at Oxford, has no present academic appointment and if approached immediately likely to be available for 1949-50. Failing Rostow committee recommend Professor A.M. Schlesinger Jr., Associate Professor at Harvard, then Professor Allan Nevins. Schlesinger a Peterhouse man and recent winner of Pulitzer prize. Nevins already known to Board. Believe that both be willing to come but Professor Schlesinger might find it easier to be released by his University. Should Rostow accept for 1949-50 committee recommend that other 2 be approached for 1950-51 and that approaches should be made as soon as possible after Rostow's decision known.