Robert Gordon Menzies was Commonwealth Attorney General from October 1934 to March 1939, during the Lyons Government. This series relates particularly to Menzies in that capacity, especially during the three-year period 1935-1937. A few 1934 papers in the series relate to the portfolio when held by Sir John Greig Latham, Menzies predecessor (to 12 October 1934), and were probably annexed to Menzies’ papers when he assumed the office (eg item 385). From February to July 1937 Menzies was also acting Treasurer and, consequently, some material is also addressed to him in that portfolio.

The files in the series mainly comprise representations from private individuals, political colleagues, companies, trade unions and other organisations seeking to influence Menzies on a wide range of matters. They cover employment, appointments, legislation, trade, territories and other government business dealt with as part of the Attorney General’s portfolio. However, the series also includes letters of congratulation on his appointment as a Privy Councillor and election as Deputy Leader of the United Australia Party, letters of introduction, invitations, papers relating to his visit to England in 1935, notes of deputations, various reports and publications.

Several files titled ‘Miscellaneous correspondence’ are actually sets of sub-files. Others have file covers identifying their previous use as subject files by Sir John Latham’s staff, although the contents are actually Menzies’ papers. The Prime Minister’s Department transferred the records to archival custody about 1951 (ref. RWC 49/4/1), and a single number system of control was subsequently imposed on them. The series description was revised as part of the Prime Ministers Papers’ Project (May 2002).