BRITAIN AND AMERICA

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20509, 27 May 1938, Page 3

BRITAIN AND AMERICA

STRENGTHENED BONDS ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION Dartmouth House, headquarters of the English-Speaking Union here, is strengthening its position as the forum for Anglo-American affairs in Britain, says a London contributor to the Christian Science Monitor. A new phase in I lie Union's policy was marked by the recent appointment as director-general of Sir A. Frederick Whyte, who besides having close association with the United States lias had wide political experience in India and China. •Sir Frederick's special care will be the development of the recently instituted Public Affairs Committee of the Union, which lias been examining common problems and interests of the United Stales and the British Empire. The Union also plans to extend its activities in furthering Anglo-Ameri-can understanding and friendship by forming an Information Department to cope with the growing number of requests it receives for information about America. Furthermore, it is to assist efforts to secure greater reference to North America in British universities and schools. Organised Study Tours Other activities will be organisation of study tours in the United States, and assisting speakers on American topics. Sir Frederick is particularly interested in the Union’s dinner discussions, of which be is chairman. These discussions on Anglo-American affairs are private and provide lively and enlightening plain speaking on controversial matters. They are attended by British. American and Dominion newspapermen and members of Parliament and business men. The London representatives of the American and Dominion press are being given a special opportunity of getting into closer touch with the Union's activities by being made honorary members of the Union for 1938. They were welcomed by Lord Willingdon, former Viceroy of India and president of the Union, at a reception on .January 20. The Union is to pursue its policy of showing documentary Aims of British, Am eric .3 n. a n <1 Domini nn do-

ings at Dartmouth House and other London centres, and of carrying on the panel discussions initiated by Sir Frederick. The grandfather of Sir Frederick went to America in 1840 from Kirriemuir (better known by James Barrie’s name of “Thrums”) : and his uncle, 40 years later, married a daughter of George Brown, of the Toronto Globe. His grandfather, John Whyte, held the rank of Commissary in the Union Army, his unit being the 29th (Highland liuard). New York State Militia, a battalion which wore kilts. He fought in the first Battle of Bull Run. in July. 1801. ;pcnt a considerable period in Libby Prison, and was exchanged. Sir Frederick himself has spent considerable lime both in Canada and in the United Stales. He has delivered Ihe Lowell lectures in Boston, and the Barbour-Page series in the University of Virginia, and he has received degrees from Macgill, Michigan and Dartmouth. His work as first President of the Indian Legislative Assembly and as Political Advisor to the Chinese Government gave him opportunities to understand Asia. A London Landmark Dartmouth House is quite a landmark in London, and English people feel its design and decoration give American visitors a good idea of that spacious dignity which is still to be found in old English homes, besides combining those modern comforts to which Americans are accustomed. The building in Charles Street, just off Berkeley Square, was constructed by Lord Revelstoke about 1890. It soon passed into the hands of Lord Dartthe English-Speaking Union. Accommodation lias been considerably extended since, but the main features remain unchanged, notably the magnificent while marble main staircase with wrought iron balustrade.