Memoirs of a Diplomat

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 526, 1 December 1928, Page 14

Memoirs of a Diplomat

Lloyd George’s Favourite Reading . . . Ceremonious Court of Spain . . .

" “HE magnificent hospitality of the Rothschilds is famous all over the civilised world. The first time I enjoyed it (writes an ex-diplomat, in recollections published recently) was at an afternoon reception at (iuunersbury Park, the home of the late Mr. Leopold de Rothschild. As is customary at functions of this kind, only light refreshments were provided, but I have never tasted more wonderful sandwiches or champagne cup. The Russian caviare sandwiches must have cost at least half-a-guinea each, and there were other sandwiches that probably cost more. And the champagne cup was’ made from the finest and oldest champagne vintages. It was at the Rothschilds’ house that I first spoke to Lord Derby. I believe he was then Lord Stanley, and there was an attache who was his double in one of the embassies at that time. I knew the attache but not Lord Stanley, and spoke to the latter under the impression that he was my diplomatic acquaintance, I discovered my mistake at once and apologised. Lord Derby's “Good Deed’’ ■'Ob,'’ said Lord Stanley, “pray don’t apologise for mistaking me for your distinguished friend. I know him also.’’ i did not meet Lord Derby again for many years. Then I saw him coming away from a garden-party given at Marlborough House in honour of the Princess Victoria’s birthday. It was more or less a children’s party, although there were many adult guests also. Each of the children was given a balloon. Coming out of the gates just behind Lord Derby was a car containing three children and a lady. Each child was holding a balloon, and just as they reached the gates one of the balloons floated out of the window of the car.

The owner, with a cry, put out her diminutive hand to try to recapture it. Lord Derby saw what had happened and at once gave chase to-the balloon and restored it to its owner. Then he went striding up St. James’s Street. It was an act typical of the kind-hearted statesman and diplomat.

It would be impossible to mention in detail all the famous people I have had the privilege of meeting in this country, but my notes would be incomplete without mention of Mr. Lloyd George. I met him on a few occasions, and recently I had the privilege of being a guest at his beautiful home—a treasure-house of wonderful old English furniture, all of which was selected and purchased by Miss Megan Lloyd George. Lunch with “Little Willie” From a member of the household I learned that Mr. Llyod George’s favourite reading is tales of Wild West adventure.

When at the height of his power, . with a working day extending to probably eighteen hours, he would relax by getting lost for half an hour or so in a Wild West thriller. I have met many foreign royalties, including the ex-Kaiser. But that was a very formal occasion. I have met the ex-Crown Prince more informally—at lunch. He spoke to me 1 in French, and we had an interesting conversation. There is no doubt in my mind that I the ex-Crown Prince is still enormously popular in Germany. I I was at a theatre one night in I London when I found myself seated next a foreign monarch whose appearance is almost as well known in -Britain as it is in his own laud —I mean the King of Spain. I had previously had the honour of being a guest of King Alfonso in Madrid, and he recognised me with a pleasant smile. Although I have been at several Courts, I know none that is so ceremonious as that of Spain. To go to a garden-party at the Royal Palace at Madrid I had to learn three different types of bow. One to make to the ladies of the Court, another to the grandees, and a third to the King and Queen. Queen Versus Tennis Champion | Both the King and Queen of Spain j are keen lawn tennis Players, but while they are in Spain etiquette will not allow them to play with anyone not of royal blood. There is a story to the effect that : the Queen of Spain played a single ’ with Miss May Sutton, the American ex-lady lawn tennis champion of her own country and of England. The match took place in the South of ' France. Miss Sutton giving the ! Spanish Queen a whole fifteen and losing the match to her Majesty. It was played on a private court, 1 and the facts were kept a closely ! guarded secret. But nevertheless j rumours of the match reached Spain, 1 and there was a good deal of talk ‘ about the affair. . But ceremonious as the Spanish J Court is. the King of Spain is one of l the easiest-going men it is possible < to meet. Once, in London. 1 heard i him greet a young Englishman whom [ he had met on several occasions by | saying in rather broken English: “How i j are you, old man ! You are looking ! t very fit.” i e