The series consists of files relating to Pearson's work on the Commission on International Development, his memoirs, Carleton University, various organizations and projects which interested him, conferences, publications, general correspondence and condolences.
Chaired by Lester B. Pearson, the Commission on International Development was composed of seven international commissioners who accepted an invitation in August 1968 from World Bank President Robert S. McNamara to study the consequences of the previous twenty years of development assistance and to propose policies for the future. The commission held regional meetings in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to gather information, commissioned special studies, and held sessions in Copenhagen, Rome, and Geneva. The findings of the commission, published as Partners in Development (Praeger Publishers, 1969), were presented at the October 1969 annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the World Bank. Records pertaining to the commission include the administrative files of Lester B. Pearson and his special assistant, Albert F. Hart, research papers prepared by the Commission's staff and by outside experts, drafts of the report, and press releases and press coverage on the Commission's activities.
The general subject files cover the full range of Lester B. Pearson's activities following his retirement as Prime Minister. Pearson's participation in several international organizations, like the International Broadcast Institute, the Institute for Strategic Studies, and the International Development Research Centre is documented. Other files deal with various persons and organizations which sought Pearson's sponsorship, invitations, honours, and awards.
The publications files consist of correspondence, book notes, working and final drafts, photocopies of documents, and galley proofs related to the major publications of Lester B. Pearson after 1968. 'Words and occasions', published in 1970, was a selection of Pearson's speeches and articles from 1924 to 1968. 'The Pearson memoirs', in three volumes, comprise the bulk of this series. 'Memoirs', Volume 1, published in 1972, was completed before Pearson's death, but volumes 2 and 3 were only partially written. John Munro and Alex Inglis, Pearson's research assistants on the memoirs project, completed the remaining volumes from contemporary documents, CBC interviews, and notes made by Pearson before his death.
The general correspondence files consist of routine correspondence received by Pearson and are arranged alphabetically by author. Most of the correspondence was answered by a standard regret letter declining the honour, or invitation, offered.
The condolence files consist of correspondence relating to Pearson's illness and death and offers of condolence to Maryon Pearson. A few files relating to Pearson's funeral and memorial services exist.
