MR. MELLON’S GLASS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1932, Page 6

MR. MELLON’S GLASS

AMBASSADOR IN LONDON. >

DRYS TIN THE- WARPATH

Mr Mellon, th e American Ambatesador, drank a whisky and soda at the Mansion House recently when he was effteiß.gined by the Lord Mayor of London. - , L It was the first fcime for several years that an American Ambassador at thg Court of St. James’ had “gone wet” in public, and a few .'hours after he raised his glass a message was re-; ’■eived in Fleet Street that women prohibitionists in the United .States were again oil the warpath against him., /. As soon as reports reached New York that'The Ambassador would break the “dry” rule .imposed by . hio predecessor, General Dawes, , a.nd alio tv drinks to be served in the Embcssy. on special occasions, the women prohibitionists protested to Mr Hoover againA winris or .liquors .in the American Embassies. When Mr Mellon went to London o n April 8 an interviewer asked him, “Will alcofiol be served in the Embassy ?" and he replied, “I haven’t had any yet, but I think we shall conform to the, law of the country.” . ' “Which country?” came the question, and Mr Mellon replied,; “Why, the country in which we live, not the country-in which it is impossible to get a drink.” 1 . . - ’

But after Mr .Mellon had been in London for a fortnight it was reported that the Embassy would follow the ’aw« of the country ti’iat it represented and that he intended to adhere to' the rule insisted upon by General' Dawes thiit the Embassy would be “dry.” Surprise wa.s felt .by some of the guests that the toast of the President of the ■ United States was not given. After the toast of the King, thos e present began to smoke,' and the' Presidential toasr'was not mentioned.