Davies writes, "You will remember that I explained to you in April that writs had been issued in the Chancery division, the plaintiffs being the next friend of the Russell children, and the defendants being the trustees of their settlements", and that a summons has been issued regarding the custody of the children.

Davies tells Meynell that he can send him a copy of the summons, "... but I think it would be to more advantage if you could arrange to call here to meet Lord Russell, so that we could explain to you the present position, and answer any questions which you might have to put."