Private correspondence, [originally in file misleadingly labelled `Letters 86-87'], between David Owen and various colleagues and friends, including:

• Letters concerning the early organisation of the SDP, including copy of letter from William Rodgers to Shirley Williams suggesting need to develop collective strategy, 14 May 1981; letters from representatives of local SDP branch concerning local SDP development, etc
• Correspondence with Stephen Wall, Washington Embassy, including detailed discussions of political affairs, particularly the position of the SDP and its relationship with the Liberal Party, 1981-
• David Owen's MS letter to Andrew [Knight]of the Economist discussing Economistcriticisms of David Owen's policies as Labour Foreign Secretary and the paper's reporting of the SDP leadership election [Dec 1982]
• Copy of letter from David Owen to Roy Jenkins discussing the proposal that David Owen become Deputy Leader of the SDP Parliamentary Committee, 21 Oct 1982
• Personal correspondence with SDP MPs, employees and supporters discussing concerns over internal SDP affairs and individual roles and relationships within the SDP, including letters from Peter Cadbury, Ian Wrigglesworth, SDP Chief Executive Bernard Doyle , Jim Daly, Peter Luff, Parry Mitchell, Tom McNally, Dick Newby, Dick Taverne, etc
• Letters from Shirley Williams discussing press and publicity, 12 Jan 1987 with copy of David Owen's reply, 14 Jan 1987
• Letters of congratulations on David Owen's General Election victory and succession to the SDP leadership, Jun-Oct 1983
• Formal letter from Margaret Thatcher and personal note from Norman Lamont in response to David Owen's letters of sympathy following the terrorist bombing at the Conservative Conference in Brighton, Oct 1984
• Copy letter from David Owen to David Steelcriticising Liberal Party statements on nuclear energy policy, May [1986]
• Personal letters of opinion on SDP and David Owen's defence policy, including copy letter from Neville Sandelson discussing need for commitment to replace Polaris [1986]; letter from Evan Luard discussing the SDP/Liberal Alliance Joint Commission on Defence and Disarmament report, Jun 1986
• Personal letter from Charles S. Crawshaw following death of his brother, Dick Crawshaw and discussing the influence of the SDP and David Owen on his life, 28 Jul 1986
• Correspondence with David Owen's campaign adviser, Roland Freeman concerning his involvement in SDP public relations programme, Jan-Feb 1987
• Personal note of thanks from Benazir Bhutto, 27 Feb 1987, for help in attempt to arrange meeting with Margaret Thatcher
• Inner file of letters from Humphrey Berkeley discussing allegations made by former Army Officers Colin Wallace and Fred Holroyd of an undercover operation behind assassinations of suspected terrorists in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, Jan-Apr 1987
• Personal letters from friends and colleagues of support/commiseration regarding the SDP and Liberal Party merger Aug-Sep 1987