From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
From ROY to Wor. regarding a dispute over the recommended lubricants for Bentley chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 145\1\ scan0102 | |
| Date | 27th April 1934 | |
| To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} ------------------ ROY{Sir Henry Royce}1/MG27.4.34 ------------------ Lubricants for Bentley Chassis Arising out of ROY{Sir Henry Royce}2/MG5.4.34, and Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}4/MJ7.4.34 (copies attached) I have at last had an opportunity of further discussing this matter with Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, and it is very evident a ruling from the Administration is necessary. There has been considerable correspondence on the whole subject; interviews have taken place between SG{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}, C and representatives of the various Oil Companies; and it was finally agreed by the Administration that they would recommend 4 Oils for such chassis, i.e., Price's, Wakefield's, Vacuum and Shell, and arrangements were concluded accordingly with the 4 firms - Prices heading the list on the score of seniority (which agreed with Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}'s recommendations Vide Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5/MJ18.11.33, attached). The firms were duly advised, and I reported to the Administration, i.e. yourself, SG{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}, and C. Vide ROY{Sir Henry Royce}14/MG29.12.33 - to which C replied on 1.1.34 that the arrangement appeared to be satisfactory. As it was evident there would be some delay in publication of the Bentley Instruction Book itself, C gave instructions at Conduit Street that preliminary Instruction Sheets for the early Bentley cars should be issued, in which such arrangement was duly set out. At a later date Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, entirely on his own initiative instructed BY/Mr. Walker (D.O) to alter such arrangement and place Wakefield's Oil first in the book. He now tells me he considers: (a) He has full authority to countermand the arrangements made and authorised by the Administration. (b) He is quite at liberty in such cases to do so without any reference whatever to the Administration or the Order Office - the Department responsible for such negotiations. This seems to be so totally at variance with the instructions laid down by the Administration that I should like their ruling on the matter. Hitherto this Company has always prided itself on honouring its obligations, but I am afraid if arrangements such as the above take place, our good name will suffer. ENCLOSURES. copies. ROY{Sir Henry Royce}2/MG5.4.34 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}4/MJ7.4.34 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5/MJ18.11.33 ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} ENCLOSURE N°535 | ||