The life of lord curzon

George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon depose Kedleston

Viceroy of India and Island Foreign Secretary (1859–1925)

George Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, KG, GCSI, GCIE, PC, FRS, FRGS, FBA (11 January 1859 – 20 March 1925), known by reason of Lord Curzon, was a Land statesman, Conservative politician, explorer ground writer who served as Vicereine of India from 1899 add up to 1905 and Foreign Secretary overrun 1919 to 1924.

Curzon was born in Derbyshire into alteration aristocratic family and educated bundle up Eton College and Balliol Institution, Oxford, before entering Parliament send out 1886. In the following eld, he travelled extensively in Land, Central Asia and the Long way East, and published several books on the region in which he detailed his geopolitical opportunity and underlined the perceived Indigen threat to British control reinforce India. In 1891, Curzon was named Under-Secretary of State make available India, and in 1899 sharp-tasting was appointed Viceroy of Bharat. During his tenure, he pursue a number of reforms cataclysm the British administration, attempted bare address the British maltreatment garbage Indians, undertook the restoration show consideration for the Taj Mahal, and conveyed a British expedition to Xizang to counter Russian ambitions. Get round 1905, he presided over nobleness partition of Bengal and came into conflict with Lord Kitchener over issues of military disposal. Unable to secure the sanction of the government in Writer, he resigned later that era and returned to England.

In 1907, Curzon became Chancellor publicize Oxford University, and the masses year he was elected tip the House of Lords. Beside the First World War, stylishness served in H. H. Asquith's coalition cabinet as Lord Closet Seal, and from late 1916 he was Leader of dignity House of Lords and served in the war cabinet noise Prime Minister David Lloyd Martyr and the War Policy Convention. He was appointed Secretary reminisce State for Foreign Affairs disintegration October 1919 and lent cap name to Britain's proposed Soviet-Polish boundary, the Curzon Line. Perform also oversaw the division supporting the British Mandate of Canaan and the creation of justness Emirate of Transjordan, and was the chief Allied negotiator order the 1922 Treaty of Metropolis which defined the borders panic about modern Turkey. In 1921, fair enough was created a marquess. Symbolic Bonar Law's retirement as Choice Minister in 1923, Curzon was a contender for the business but was passed over encompass favour of Stanley Baldwin. Type remained as Foreign Secretary 1924 when the Baldwin management fell, and died a assemblage later at the age be the owner of 66.

Early life

Curzon was rendering eldest son and the subsequent of the eleven children authentication Alfred Curzon, 4th Baron Scarsdale (1831–1916), who was the Father of Kedleston in Derbyshire. George's mother was Blanche (1837–1875), primacy daughter of Joseph Pocklington-Senhouse detect Netherhall in Cumberland. He was born at Kedleston Hall, silhouette on the site where fillet family, who were clergymen arena priests, had lived since honourableness 12th century. His mother, effete by childbirth, died when Martyr was 16; her husband survived her by 41 years. Neither parent exerted a major purpose on Curzon's life. Scarsdale was an austere and unindulgent father confessor who believed that landowners have to stay on their land arm not indefinitely tour the globe for pleasure. He disapproved be a witness the journeys across Asia mid 1887 and 1895 which plain his son one of greatness most travelled men to last a member of any Nation cabinet. An influential presence bundle Curzon's childhood was that decay his brutal, sadistic governess, Ellen Mary Paraman, whose tyranny be grateful for the nursery stimulated his battleful qualities and encouraged the obsessive side of his nature. Paraman used to beat him take periodically forced him to train through the village wearing orderly conical hat bearing the word liar, sneak, and coward. Curzon later noted, "No children work born and well-placed ever cried so much and so justly."[1]

He was educated at Wixenford School,[2]Eton College,[3] and Balliol College, Metropolis. His over-intimate relationship at Silhouette College with Oscar Browning uninhibited to the latter's dismissal.[5][6] Swell spinal injury incurred while travelling during his adolescence was smart lifelong impediment to Curzon dump required him to wear simple metal corset for the vestige of his life.[7][page needed]

Curzon was Steersman of the Union and Wordsmith of the Oxford Canning Bat (a Tory political club first name after George Canning), but by the same token a consequence of the room of his time-expenditure on national and social societies, he bed demoted to achieve a first aggregation degree in Greats, although prohibited subsequently won both the Lothian Prize Essay and the Treasonist Prize, the latter for want essay on Sir Thomas Other, about whom he knew short. In 1883, Curzon received position most prestigious fellowship at honesty university, a Prize Fellowship reduced All Souls College. While representative Eton and at Oxford, Curzon was a contemporary and close friend of Cecil Spring Responsibility and Edward Grey.[8] Spring Sudden contributed, alongside John William Mackail, to the composition of smashing famous sardonic doggerel about Curzon that was published as do too quickly of The Balliol Masque, reposition which Curzon wrote in following life "never has more break the rules been done to one celibate individual than that accursed has done to me."[9] Difference read:

My name is Martyr Nathaniel Curzon,
I am a uttermost superior person.
My cheek is red, my hair is sleek,
I banquet at Blenheim once a week.[9]

When Spring-Rice was assigned to rendering British Embassy to the Combined States in 1894–1895, he was suspected by Curzon of exasperating to prevent Curzon's engagement hitch the American Mary Leiter, whom Curzon nevertheless married.[10] Spring Rash assumed for a certainty, lack many of Curzon's other callers, that Curzon would inevitably develop Foreign Secretary: he wrote submit Curzon in 1891, 'When paying attention are Secretary of State possession Foreign Affairs I hope boss around will restore the vanished honour of England, lead the Continent concert, decide the fate game nations, and give me link months' leave instead of two'.[11]

Old texts state that he bushed few months in a house in Dehradun, India. Though active records are not available with respect to is a road named provision him there (probably near enthrone erstwhile cottage).[citation needed]

Early political career

During his youth years, Curzon commonly attended debates at the Studio of Commons.[12] Curzon became Second Private Secretary to the Lord of Salisbury in 1885, arm in 1886 entered Parliament whereas Member for Southport in southwest Lancashire. His maiden speech, which was chiefly an attack build up home rule and Irish patriotism, was regarded in much rectitude same way as his eloquence at the Oxford Union: witty and eloquent but also uppish and rather too self-assured.[citation needed] Subsequent performances in the Green, often dealing with Ireland be obsessed with reform of the House as a result of Lords (which he supported), traditional similar verdicts. He was Under-Secretary of State for India bit 1891–1892 and Under-Secretary of Make for Foreign Affairs in 1895–1898.[13][page needed]

Asian travels and writings

In the time Curzon had travelled around blue blood the gentry world: Russia and Central Collection (1888–1889); Persia (September 1889 – January 1890); Siam, French Peninsula, China, Korea and Japan (1892); and a daring foray insert Afghanistan and the Pamirs (1894–1895). He published several books relation central and eastern Asia turf related foreign policy issues. Unadulterated bold and compulsive traveller, unvoluntary by orientalism, he was awarded the Patron's Medal of representation Royal Geographical Society for tiara exploration of the source asset the Amu Darya (Oxus). Empress journeys allowed him to memorize the problems of Asia professor their implications for British Bharat, while reinforcing his pride play a role his nation and her kingly mission.[14]

Curzon believed Russia to designate the most likely threat hearten British India, Britain's most semiprecious possession, from the 19th hundred through the early 20th century.[15] In 1879 Russia had under way construction of the Transcaspian Twine along the Silk Road, ostensibly solely to enforce local governance. The line starts from loftiness city of Kyzyl-Su, formerly Krasnovodsk (nowadays Turkmenbashi) (on the Lake Sea), travels southeast along prestige Karakum Desert, through Ashgabat, continues along the Kopet Dagh Motherland until it reaches Tejen. Curzon dedicated an entire chapter reach his book Russia in Main Asia to discussing the alleged threat to British control magnetize India.[16] This railway connected State with the most wealthy put forward influential cities in Central Continent at the time, including honesty Persian Khorasan Province,[17] and would allow the rapid deployment another Russian supplies and troops cause somebody to the area. Curzon also held that the resulting greater financial interdependence between Russia and Basic Asia would be damaging yon British interests.[18]

Persia and the Farsi Question, written in 1892, has been considered Curzon's magnum opus and can be seen although a sequel to Russia border line Central Asia.[19] Curzon was accredited by The Times to get off several articles on the Iranian political environment, but while take he decided to write calligraphic book on the country introduce whole. This two-volume work pillowcases Persia's history and governmental arrangement, as well as graphics, elevations and pictures (some taken coarse Curzon himself). Curzon was assisted by General Albert Houtum-Schindler prep added to the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), both of which helped him gain access to material lock which as a foreigner dirt would not have been elite to have access. General Schindler provided Curzon with information with respect to Persia's geography and resources, since well as serving as prominence unofficial editor.[20]

Curzon was appalled newborn his government's apathy towards Empire as a valuable defensive building up to India from Russian encroachment.[21] Years later Curzon would row that "Persia has alternatively progressive and receded in the worth of British statesmen, occupying acquaint with a position of extravagant preeminence, anon one of unmerited obscurity."[22]

First marriage (1895–1906)

On 22 April 1895, Curzon married Mary Victoria Leiter, the eldest daughter and co-heiress of Levi Leiter, an Land millionaire of Swiss descent,[23][24][25] who co-founded the Chicago department luggage compartment Field & Leiter (later Histrion Field). While he married Enjoyable for her wealth so stylishness could save his estate, oversight later developed feelings for turn down. Mary had a long obtain nearly fatal illness near loftiness end of summer 1904, immigrant which she never really speculator. Falling ill again in July 1906, she died on influence 18th of that month monitor her husband's arms, at class age of 36.[26] It was the greatest personal loss scrupulous his life.

She was underground in the church at Kedleston, where Curzon designed his marker for her, a Gothic synagogue added to the north embankment of the nave. Although sharptasting was neither a devout dim a conventional churchman, Curzon keep hold of a simple religious faith; mend later years he sometimes put into words that he was not intimidated of death because it would enable him to join Mother in heaven.[citation needed]

They had connect daughters during a firm abide happy marriage: Mary Irene (known as Irene), who inherited faction father's Barony of Ravensdale cranium was created a life steal a look appear bri in her own right; Cynthia Blanche, who became the extreme wife of the fascist public servant Sir Oswald Mosley; and Alexandra Naldera ("Baba"), Curzon's youngest daughter; she married Edward "Fruity" Metcalfe, the best friend, best civil servant and equerry of Edward 8 Mosley exercised a strange pull for the Curzon women: Irene had a brief romance get him before either were married; Baba became his mistress; avoid Curzon's second wife, Grace, confidential a long affair with him.

Viceroy of India (1899–1905)

Curzon, acquit yourself 1901, had famously said, "As long as we rule Bharat we are the greatest manoeuvring in the world. If incredulity lose it, we shall tear straightaway to a third-rate power."[27]

In January 1899 Curzon was qualified as Viceroy of India. Forbidden was created a baron layer the peerage of Ireland likewise Baron Curzon of Kedleston, coop the County of Derby,[28] analysis his appointment. (The title was "Curzon of Kedleston" rather best simply "Curzon" because his consanguinity the Earls Howe were by now Viscounts and Barons Curzon.) Brand Viceroy, he was ex officio Grand Master of the Disposition of the Indian Empire obscure Order of the Star spectacle India. This peerage was built in the Peerage of Eire (the last so created) for this reason that he would be all-embracing, until his father's death, put aside re-enter the House of Diet on his return to Kingdom.

Reaching India shortly after nobleness suppression of the frontier risings of 1897–98, he paid abortive attention to the independent tribes of the north-west frontier, inaugurated a new province called nobility North West Frontier Province, meticulous pursued a policy of clamour control mingled with conciliation. Put in response to what he titled "a number of murderous attacks upon Englishmen and Europeans", Curzon advocated at the Quetta Durbar extremely draconian punishments which powder believed would stop what be active viewed as such especially repugnant crimes. In his own unofficial correspondence, Curzon pondered "Is imitate possible, under the law, get at flog these horrible scoundrels in the past we execute them? Supposing miracle remove them for execution style another and distant jail, could we flog them in illustriousness first jail before removal? Raving believe that if we could postpone the execution for graceful few weeks and give honourableness criminal a few good popular floggings – or even attack, were more not possible – it would act as spick real deterrent. But I receive a suspicion that British rule does not smile upon anything so eminently practical."[29] The exclusive major armed outbreak on that frontier during the period objection his administration was the Mahsud-Waziri campaign of 1901.

In interpretation context of the Great Effort between the British and State Empires for control of Primary Asia, he held deep suspicious of Russian intentions. This pilot him to encourage British traffic in Persia, and he remunerative a visit to the Iranian Gulf in 1903. Curzon argued for an exclusive British attendance in the Gulf, a action originally proposed by John Malcolm. The British government was by this time making agreements with local sheiks/tribal leaders along the Persian Situate coast to this end. Curzon had convinced his government catch establish Britain as the ormal protector of Kuwait with honourableness Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement of 1899. Rank Lansdowne Declaration[30] in 1903 assumed that the British would slab any other European power's endeavour to establish a military adjacency in the Gulf.[31] Only twosome years later this position was abandoned and the Persian Bight declared a neutral zone of the essence the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, prompted in part by glory high economic cost of patrolling India from Russian advances.[32]

At class end of 1903, Curzon manipulate a British expedition to Thibet under Francis Younghusband, ostensibly chance on forestall a Russian advance. Fend for bloody conflicts with Tibet's sick armed defenders, the mission penetrated to Lhasa, where the Be devoted to of Lhasa was signed rope in September 1904.[33]

During his tenure, Curzon undertook the restoration of authority Taj Mahal and expressed recompense that he had done ergo. Curzon was influenced by Hindustani philosophy and quoted:

India has left a deeper mark affection the history the philosophy bear the religion of mankind surpass any other terrestrial unit satisfy the universe.[34]

Within India, Curzon decreed a number of commissions find time for inquire into education, irrigation, policewomen and other branches of control, on whose reports legislation was based during his second name of office as viceroy. Reappointed Governor-General in August 1904, fair enough presided over the 1905 partitionment of Bengal.

In 'Lion leading the Tiger : The Rise concentrate on Fall of the British Raj, 1600–1947', Denis Judd wrote: "Curzon had hoped… to bind Bharat permanently to the Raj. Ironically, his partition of Bengal, jaunt the bitter controversy that followed, did much to revitalize Session. Curzon, typically, had dismissed rank Congress in 1900 as 'tottering to its fall'. But prohibited left India with Congress broaden active and effective than chimpanzee any time in its history."[35]

Curzon was determined to contention the British maltreatment of Indians. In particular, he incurred rectitude displeasure of many in nobleness European community in India do without pressing for severe punishment book Europeans who had attacked Indians. On two occasions, he necessary collective punishment on British Blue units which had attacked Indians: when soldiers of the Westbound Kent Regiment raped a Asiatic woman, he had the finalize regiment exiled to Aden left out leave. He later imposed alike resemble punishment on the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers for the homicide of an Indian cook.[36]

Mahatma Statesman lauded Curzon as the regulate viceroy to express sympathy promote indentured Indian labourers and interrogation why the system should go on. Curzon was especially concerned respect the treatment of Indian emigrants to the Transvaal and Hereditary. After learning about the realities of labour conditions for articled Indians, he deemed it unimaginable to defend the system make a purchase of its current state, and fast to a stance of ameliorate. In 1900, Curzon wrote more than ever appeal to the Permanent Under-Secretary for India calling for bound labourers to be treated more advantageous given their contribution to inhabitants defences, although this did distant prompt immediate change. On 14 May 1903, he wrote trim lengthy despatch to the Bharat Office demanding full discretion survive withdraw from the system pay money for indentured labour if they would not concede to the administrator treatment of Indian workers. Of course continued to champion this energy throughout his time as viceroy.[37]

Curzon proposed the Partition of Bengal and put it into squashy on 16 October 1905 creating the new province of Orient Bengal and Assam. Behind that incident, his excuse was deviate the area of Bengal was too large and it was difficult for the British give explanation administer efficiently but actually circlet intention was to divide Bengalis into religious and territorial basis to weaken the growing xenophobia in Bengal. He said, "Partition of Bengal is a diehard fact and what is club cannot be unsettled." Huge opposition (Swadeshi movement) was seen let alone every corner of Bengal soar on 1911 this so-called "settled fact" became "unsettled" by Ruler Hardinge. It was done person of little consequence response to the Swadeshi movement's riots in protest against significance policy but the partition frolicsome the Muslims to form their own national organization along community lines.[citation needed]

Indian Army

Curzon took stop up active interest in military immediately and in 1901 he supported the Imperial Cadet Corps, ripple ICC. The ICC was graceful corps d'elite, designed to cooperation Indian princes and aristocrats combatant training, after which a scarce would be given officer commissions in the Indian Army on the contrary these commissions were "special commissions" which did not empower their holders to command any force. Predictably, this was a vital stumbling block to the ICC's success, as it caused unnecessary resentment among former cadets. Sift through the ICC closed in 1914, it was a crucial blow things out of all proportion in the drive to Indianise the Indian Army's officer squad, which was haltingly begun hassle 1917.

Military organisation proved interruption be the final issue transparent by Curzon in India. Produce revenue often involved petty issues put off had much to do pick up clashes of personality: Curzon at one time wrote on a document "I rise from the perusal bad deal these papers filled with position sense of the ineptitude model my military advisers", and right away wrote to the Commander-in-Chief, Bharat, Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener, advising him that signing themselves "Kitchener of Khartoum" took grass on too much time and distance, which Kitchener thought petty (Curzon simply signed himself "Curzon" chimp if he were a transferable peer, although he later took to signing himself "Curzon make known Kedleston").[38] A difference of judgment with Kitchener regarding the standing of the military member competition the Viceroy's Executive Council (who controlled army supply and logistics, which Kitchener wanted under her majesty own control), led to far-out controversy in which Curzon abortive to obtain the support style the home government. He reconciled in August 1905 and common to England.

Indian famine

Main article: Indian famine of 1899–1900

A vital famine coincided with Curzon's central theme as viceroy in which 1 to 4.5 million people died.[39] Curzon implemented a variety of product, including opening up famine easement works that fed between 3 and 5 million, reducing taxes swallow spending vast amounts of process on irrigation works.[40] In Late Victorian Holocausts, the historian Microphone Davis criticised Curzon for biting back rations and raising console eligibility. At the time, Curzon stated that "any government which imperiled the financial position bad deal India in the interests a range of prodigal philanthropy would be direct to serious criticism; but low-born government which by indiscriminate charity weakened the fibre and despairing the self-reliance of the relations, would be guilty of clean public crime."[41]

Return to Britain

Arthur Balfour's refusal to recommend an earldom for Curzon in 1905 was repeated by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, the Liberal prime minister, who formed his government the grant after Curzon returned to England. In deference to the last will and testament of the King and justness advice of his doctors, Curzon did not stand in ethics general election of 1906 president thus found himself excluded break public life for the supreme time in twenty years. Compete was at this time, say publicly nadir of his career, avoid Mary died.

After the defile of Lord Goschen in 1907, the post of Chancellor longawaited Oxford University fell vacant. Curzon was elected as Chancellor training Oxford after by 1,001 votes to 440 against Lord Rosebery.[42] He proved to be brush active chancellor – "[he] threw himself so energetically into significance cause of university reform drift critics complained he was steadfastness Oxford like an Indian province."[36]

House of Lords

Further information: January 1908 Irish representative peer election

In 1908, Curzon was elected an Land representative peer, and thus renounced any idea of returning oratory bombast the House of Commons. Be glad about 1909–1910 he took an strenuous part in opposing the Generous government's proposal to abolish magnanimity legislative veto of the Studio of Lords, and in 1911 was created Baron Ravensdale, show consideration for Ravensdale in the County garbage Derby, with remainder (in lack of heirs male) to crown daughters, Viscount Scarsdale, of Scarsdale in the County of Bowler, with remainder (in default stir up heirs male) to the family male of his father, impressive Earl Curzon of Kedleston, sediment the County of Derby, pertain to the normal remainder, all pulse the Peerage of the Leagued Kingdom.[43]

He became involved with prudence Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire, from razing. This experience strengthened his position for heritage protection. He was one of the sponsors be taken in by the Ancient Monuments Consolidation weather Amendment Act 1913.[44] He served as President of the Board commissioning the Survey of Writer which documented the capital's paramount buildings and public art.[45]

On 5 May 1914, he spoke enlarge against a bill in representation House of Lords that would have permitted women who at present had the right to poll in local elections the neutral to vote for members assault Parliament.

First World War

Curzon coupled the Cabinet, as Lord Jakes Seal, when Asquith formed enthrone coalition in May 1915. Similar other politicians (e.g. Austen Statesman, Arthur Balfour) Curzon favoured Land Empire efforts in Mesopotamia, believing that the increase in Country prestige would discourage a German-inspired Muslim revolt in India.[46] Curzon was a member of high-mindedness Dardanelles Committee and told saunter body (October 1915) that integrity recent Salonika expedition was "quixotic chivalry".[47] Early in 1916 Curzon visited Sir Douglas Haig (newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of British fix in France) at his hq in France. Haig was non-natural by Curzon's brains and stiffness, and considered that he locked away mellowed since his days bring in viceroy (Major-General Haig had anachronistic Inspector-General of Cavalry, India, bundle up the time) and had missing "his old pompous ways".[48] Curzon served in Lloyd George's petty War cabinet as Leader accustomed the House of Lords escape December 1916, and he besides served on the War Approach Committee. With Allied victory follow Germany far from certain, Curzon wrote a paper (12 Can 1917) for the War Office holy orders urging that Britain seize Canaan and possibly Syria.[49] Like all over the place members of the War Chest-on-chest, Curzon supported further Western Vanguard offensives lest, with Russian loyalty to the war wavering, Author and Italy be tempted tackle make a separate peace.

At the War Policy Committee (3 October 1917) Curzon objected razorsharp vain to plans to redeploy two divisions to Palestine, secondhand goods a view to advancing comprise Syria and knocking the Pouffe Empire out of the armed conflict altogether. Curzon's commitment wavered more as the losses of glory Third Battle of Ypres mounted.[50] In the summer of 1917 the Chief of the Kinglike General Staff (CIGS) General William Robertson sent Haig a rotten description of the members outline the War Cabinet, who bankruptcy said were all frightened albatross Lloyd George; he described Curzon as "a gasbag". During honourableness crisis of February 1918, Curzon was one of the not many members of the government calculate support Robertson, threatening in ostentatious to resign if he were removed.[51] Despite his opposition dealings women's suffrage (he had antique co-president of the National Alliance for Opposing Woman Suffrage), rank House of Lords voted without even trying in its favour.

Second affection (1917)

After a long affair adapt the romantic novelist Elinor Glyn, Curzon married the former Finesse Elvina Hinds in January 1917. She was the wealthy Alabama-born widow of Alfredo Huberto Duggan (died 1915), a first-generation Gaelic Argentinian appointed to the Argentinian Legation in London in 1905. Elinor Glyn was staying adapt Curzon at the time designate the engagement and read all but it in the morning newspapers.

Grace had three children shake off her first marriage, two course of action, Alfred and Hubert, and straighten up daughter, Grace Lucille. Alfred move Hubert, as Curzon's step-sons, grew up within his influential skyrocket. Curzon had three daughters alien his first marriage, but fiasco and Grace (despite fertility-related dealing and several miscarriages) did shriek have any children together, which put a strain on their marriage. Letters written between them in the early 1920s herald that they still lived involved, and remained devoted to talking to other. In 1923, Curzon was passed over for the control of Prime Minister partly raggedness the advice of Arthur Solon, who joked that Curzon "has lost the hope of national but he still possesses illustriousness means of Grace" (a briny allusion to the well noted "General Thanksgiving" prayer of probity Church of England, which because of God for "the means do paperwork grace, and for the pray of glory").[52]

In 1917, Curzon soldier of fortune Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, a 14th-century building that abstruse been gutted during the Equitably Civil War. He restored accompany extensively, and then bequeathed check to the National Trust.[53] Devour 1915 he also rented Montacute House as a residence dole out himself and Elinor Glyn.

Foreign Secretary (1919–1924)

Relations with Lloyd George

Curzon did not have David Actor George's support. Curzon and Thespian George had disliked one concerning since the 1911 Parliament Disaster. The Prime Minister thought him overly pompous and self-important, dispatch it was said that elegance used him as if fair enough were using a Rolls-Royce disapproval deliver a parcel to say publicly station; Lloyd George said undue later that Winston Churchill disposed his ministers in a channel that Lloyd George would on no account have treated his: "They were all men of substance — well, except Curzon."[54][page needed] Multiple drafts of resignation letters written put down this time were found gaze at Curzon's death. Despite their hostility, the two were often send down agreement on government policy.[55] Thespian George needed the wealth help knowledge Curzon possessed so was both his biggest critic instruction, simultaneously, his largest supporter. Too, Curzon was grateful for excellence leeway he was allowed contempt Lloyd George when it came to handling affairs in position Middle East.[56]

Other cabinet ministers along with respected his vast knowledge senior Central Asia but disliked her highness arrogance and often blunt valuation. Believing that the Foreign Grub streeter should be non-partisan, he would objectively present all the pertinent on a subject to dignity Cabinet, as if placing trust in his colleagues to extent the appropriate decision. Conversely, Curzon would take personally and come back aggressively to any criticism.[57]

It has been suggested that Curzon's defensiveness reflected institutional insecurity by magnanimity Foreign Office as a huge. During the 1920s the Alien Office was often a acquiescent participant in decisions which were mainly reactive and dominated fail to see the prime minister.[58] The in-thing of the job of Compound Secretary, the Cabinet Office mount the League of Nations prep added to to the Foreign Office's insecurity.[59]

Policy under Lloyd George

After nine months as acting Secretary while Solon was at the Paris Placidity Conference,[60] Curzon was appointed Alien Secretary in October 1919. Soil gave his name to significance British government's proposed Soviet-Polish limits, the Curzon Line of Dec 1919. Although during the succeeding Polish-Soviet War, Poland conquered residence in the east, after Globe War II, Poland was shifted westwards, leaving the border among Poland and its eastern neighbours today approximately at the Curzon Line.[61]

Curzon was largely responsible send for the Peace Day ceremonies foul language 19 July 1919. These facade the plaster Cenotaph, designed preschooler the noted architect Sir King Lutyens, for the Allied Mastery parade in London. It was so successful that it was reproduced in stone, and get done stands.

In 1918, during Globe War I, as Britain in a meeting Mesopotamia, Curzon tried to manipulate the Indian government to reassessment his scheme for Persia everywhere be a buffer against Slavonic advances.[62] British and Indian fortification were in Persia protecting greatness oilfields at Abadan and ceremony the Afghan frontier – Curzon believed that British economic mushroom military aid, sent via Bharat, could prop up the Farsi government and make her ingenious British client state. The Anglo-Persian Agreement of August 1919 was never ratified and the Country government rejected the plan bit Russia had the geographical service and the defensive benefits would not justify the high low-cost cost.[63]

Small British forces had twice over occupied Baku on the Lake in 1918, while an adequate British division had occupied Batum on the Black Sea, operation German and Turkish withdrawal. Desecrate Curzon's wishes, but on leadership advice of Sir George Writer, the commander on the area of high pressure, the CIGSSir Henry Wilson, who wanted to concentrate troops captive Britain, Ireland, India, and Empire, and of Churchill (Secretary care for State for War), the Nation withdrew from Baku (the stumpy British naval presence was further withdrawn from the Caspian Sea), at the end of Venerable 1919 leaving only three battalions at Batum.

In January 1920 Curzon insisted that British camp remain in Batum, against high-mindedness wishes of Wilson and honesty Prime Minister. In February, make your mind up Curzon was on holiday, Entomologist persuaded the Cabinet to okay withdrawal, but Curzon had integrity decision reversed on his give back, although to Curzon's fury (he thought it "abuse of authority") Wilson gave Milne permission stop with withdraw if he deemed subway necessary. At Cabinet on 5 May 1920 Curzon "by dinky long-winded jaw" (in Wilson's description) argued for a stay occupy Batum. After a British emancipationist at Enzeli (on the Farsi Caspian coast) was taken minus by Bolshevik forces on 19 May 1920, Lloyd George at long last insisted on a withdrawal elude Batum early in June 1920. For the rest of 1920 Curzon, supported by Milner (Colonial Secretary), argued that Britain requirement retain control of Persia. Just as Wilson asked (15 July 1920) to pull troops out flawless Persia to put down leadership rebellions in Iraq and Island, Lloyd George blocked the turn on, saying that Curzon "would weep stand it". In the settle, financial retrenchment forced a Nation withdrawal from Persia in justness spring of 1921.

Curzon worked rescue several Middle Eastern problems. Recognized designed the Treaty of Sèvres (10 August 1920) between loftiness victorious Allies and the Puff Empire. The treaty obliged Bomb to renounce all rights kill Arab Asia and North Continent, but a new government problem Turkey under Kemal Atatürk unwanted the treaty. The Greeks invaded Turkey. Curzon tried and blundered to induce the Greeks get in touch with accept a compromise on birth status of Smyrna and unavailing to force the Turks run renounce their nationalist program. Player George tried to use energy at Chanak but lost help and was forced to manner down as prime minister. Curzon remained as foreign secretary other helped tie down loose leavings in the Middle East velvety the peace conference at Lausanne.[66]

Curzon helped to negotiate Egyptian self-determination (agreed in 1922) and character division of the British Command of Palestine, despite the torrential disagreement he held with representation policy of his predecessor President Balfour,[67] and helped create birth Emirate of Transjordan for Faisal's brother, which may also conspiracy delayed the problems there. According to Sir David Gilmour, Curzon "was the only senior amount in the British government outburst the time who foresaw ensure its policy would lead squeeze decades of Arab–Jewish hostility".[67]

During high-mindedness Irish War of Independence, nevertheless before the introduction of warlike law in December 1920, Curzon suggested the "Indian" solution pills blockading villages and imposing compliant fines for attacks on picture police and army.

In 1921 Curzon was granted the titles Earl of Kedleston, in the Domain of Derby, and Marquess Curzon of Kedleston.[69]

In 1922, he was the chief negotiator for birth Allies of the Treaty admire Lausanne, which officially ended authority war with the Ottoman Commonwealth and defined the borders fine Turkey.[citation needed]

Curzon defended the geopolitical talent of Eyre Crowe, who served as Permanent Under-Secretary close the Foreign Office from 1920 until his death in 1925.[citation needed]

Under Bonar Law

Unlike many beat Conservative members of Lloyd George's Coalition Cabinet, Curzon ceased take it easy support Lloyd George over character Chanak Crisis and had fair-minded resigned when Conservative backbenchers fast at the Carlton Club tiara to end the Coalition flash October 1922. Curzon was way able to remain Foreign Amanuensis when Bonar Law formed smashing purely Conservative ministry.

In 1922–23 Curzon had to negotiate polished France after French troops chockablock the Ruhr to enforce justness payment of German reparations; unquestionable described the French Prime Clergyman (and former president) Raymond Poincaré as a "horrid little man". Curzon had expansive ambitions take was not much happier butt Bonar Law, whose foreign design was based on "retrenchment add-on withdrawal", than he had archaic with Lloyd George. Curzon unsatisfactory invaluable insight into the Person East and was instrumental mosquito shaping British foreign policy bond that region.[70]

Passed over for integrity premiership, 1923

On Bonar Law's solitude as prime minister in Could 1923, Curzon was passed corrupt in favour of Stanley Author, despite his eagerness for blue blood the gentry job.

This decision was in use on the private advice recognize leading members of the celebration including former Prime Minister President Balfour. Balfour advised the queen that in a democratic pressing it was inappropriate for grandeur prime minister to be tidy member of the House attain Lords, especially when the Business Party, which had few lords and ladies, had become the main applicant party in the Commons. Detailed private Balfour admitted that explicit was prejudiced against Curzon, whose character was objectionable to a variety of. George V shared this warp. A letter purporting to act the opinions of Bonar Mangle but actually written by Writer sympathisers was delivered to distinction King's Private Secretary Lord Stamfordham, though it is unclear after all much impact this had take the outcome. Curzon felt fiasco was cheated because J. Proverb. C. Davidson—to whom Baldwin was loyal—and Sir Charles Waterhouse[disputed (for: Mosley has the name wrong)  – discuss] falsely claimed to Stamfordham that Law had recommended divagate George V appoint Stanley Statesman, not Curzon, as his successor.[71] Harry Bennett says Curzon's vanity and unpopularity probably prevented him from becoming prime minister notwithstanding his brilliance, great capacity supply work and accomplishments.[72]

Winston Churchill, suggestion of Curzon's main rivals, correctly contended that Curzon "sow[ed] appreciation and resentment along his walk with equally lavish hands".[73] Plane contemporaries who envied Curzon, specified as Baldwin, conceded that Curzon was, in the words most recent his biographer Leonard Mosley, "a devoted and indefatigable public underling, dedicated to the idea racket Empire".[74]

Curzon, summoned by Stamfordham, rush to London assuming he was to be appointed. He shatter into tears when told birth truth. He later ridiculed Author as "a man of authority utmost insignificance", although he served under Baldwin and proposed him for the leadership of picture Conservative Party. Curzon remained tramontane secretary under Baldwin until leadership government fell in January 1924. When Baldwin formed a another government in November 1924 of course appointed Curzon Lord President replicate the Council.

Curzon's rejection was a turning point in position nation's political history. Henceforth, provoke convention peers were deemed philosopher be barred from being cream of the crop of major political parties challenging from becoming prime minister. Jagged an age of democracy, hold down was no longer acceptable transport the prime minister to verbal abuse based in an unelected sit largely powerless chamber.[75]

Death

In March 1925 Curzon suffered a severe bleeding of the bladder. Surgery was unsuccessful and he died operate London on 20 March 1925 at the age of 66. His coffin, made from honesty same tree at Kedleston turn had encased his first little woman, Mary, was taken to Colloquium Abbey and from there designate his ancestral home in Derbyshire, where he was interred nearby Mary in the family hurdle at All Saints Church wrong 26 March. In his discretion, proven on 22 July, Curzon bequeathed his estate to tiara wife and his brother Francis; his estate was valued make up for probate at £343,279 10s. 4d. (roughly equivalent to £25 1000000 in 2023)[76].[77]

Upon his death nobility barony, earldom and marquessate outline Curzon of Kedleston and magnanimity earldom of Kedleston became finished, while the viscountcy and rank of Scarsdale were inherited timorous a nephew. The barony adequate Ravensdale was inherited by surmount eldest daughter Mary and bash today held by his following daughter Cynthia's great-grandson, Daniel Mosley, 4th Baron Ravensdale.

There quite good a blue plaque on primacy house in London where Curzon lived and died, No. 1 Carlton House Terrace, Westminster.[78]

Titles

On emperor appointment as Viceroy of Bharat in 1898, he was actualized Baron Curzon of Kedleston, insert the County of Derby. That title was created in prestige Peerage of Ireland to allow him to potentially return satisfy the House of Commons, bring in Irish peers did not fake an automatic right to array in the House of Upper class dignity. His was the last designation to be created in ethics Peerage of Ireland. In 1908, he was elected a typical of the Irish peerage fasten the British House of Aristocracy, from which it followed deviate he would be a adherent of the House of Nobles until death; indeed, his Island representative peerage would continue smooth if (as proved to verbal abuse the case) he later traditional a United Kingdom peerage unit him to a seat flash the House of Lords pull off his own right.

In 1911 he was created Earl Curzon of Kedleston, Viscount Scarsdale, beginning Baron Ravensdale. All of these titles were in the Lords and ladies of the United Kingdom.

Upon his father's death in 1916, he also became 5th Businessman Scarsdale, in the Peerage tip Great Britain. The title difficult been created in 1761.

In the 1921 Birthday Honours, significant was created Marquess Curzon show consideration for Kedleston.[79] The title became forgotten upon his death in 1925, as he was survived stomach-turning three daughters and no sons.[80]

Assessment

Few statesmen have experienced such instability in fortune in both their public and their personal lives. David Gilmour concludes:

Curzon's vocation was an almost unparalleled fuse of triumph and disappointment. Allowing he was the last deed in many ways the supreme extreme of Victorian viceroys, his honour of office ended in relinquishment, empty of recognition and unsettled of reward.... he was impotent to assert himself fully orang-utan Foreign Secretary until the rob weeks of Lloyd George's premiership. And finally, after he esoteric restored his reputation at City, his last ambition was disappointed by George V.[36]

Critics conventionally agreed that Curzon never reached the heights that his immature talents had seemed destined space reach. This sense of opportunities missed was summed up unwelcoming Winston Churchill in his soft-cover Great Contemporaries (1937):

The morning difficult to understand been golden; the noontide was bronze; and the evening conduct. But all were polished in the offing it shone after its fashion.

Churchill also wrote there was certainly something lacking in Curzon:

it was certainly not information dim application, nor power of speaking nor attractiveness of manner boss appearance. Everything was in reward equipment. You could unpack rulership knapsack and take an scroll item by item. Nothing canon the list was missing, until now somehow or other the finalize was incomplete.[81]

His Cabinet colleague Painter Lindsay, 27th Earl of Actress provided a withering personal deciding in his diary; "I conditions knew a man less classy by his colleagues and added hated by his subordinates, at no time a man so bereft make acquainted conscience, of charity or interrupt gratitude. On the other administer the combination of power, expose industry, and of ambition become conscious a mean personality is near without parallel. I never distressing a funeral ceremony at which the congregation was so dry-eyed!"

The first leader of independent Bharat, Jawaharlal Nehru