Mrs Gaitskell says: 1 like
an argument
THE CHINA MAIL, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1900.
The leadership of the Labour Party is at stake. So is their political futura. But it is not only Hugh Galtskall and Harald Wilson who will be affected by the outcome of their battle. It also affects two women-Min Gaitskell and Mrs Wikon.
likes the How do they feel about the bottle now raging between their hus-
bands? What is it like to be married to a man striving for political supremacy? What part do they play in the fight?
'I never knew he wax such a
by Susan Barnes pater, I never knew he had it
DROVE out to Hamp- stead to see Dora
1 Fai
"I think they confused polite-
H
nes with mildness. good manners. But his friends
Gaitskell and she asked have never mistaken his courtesy
known that he can be tough.”
“And you?" I asked. "What effect does this political battle have on you?"
me to stay for lunch, for mildness. They have always "But it will have to be an early one," she said, "Hugh's got to catch the 1.80 train for Wales.'
"I'm not naturally a terribly placid person. But when it comes to periods of strain anti So although 11 was only times of stress, 1 måke
a real 12.13, the Three Of A KO2 effort not to ap. In the big down and ale the roast declalous of He, one does pull chiciton Dorn had prepared, oneself together.
and I thought gal of the "Hugh has a much more physical and nervous strength comble temperament than 1 il:at bulh Gaitskells must havA. Attraction of opposites
Bussess,
4:2582 My husband has always
His tess was striking. Her aid that when it comes to mag- cheerfulness reassuring.
rlage, you have to have the summe tastes but different tem- peraments."
When we had finished our coffee, Dora kissed her husband good-bye. sairl "Good luck!" and in a few seconds the front door banged shut,
Sentimental
*
With T temperament," I said, "plus the detail that you are a woman, do you feel par Monatelji apatust people who disagree politically with your
husband?
**Well," said
Don
"think
THE
WIVES
OF
RIVALS
Mrs Wilson The city that
quiet life frightens
by Stella King
"I have never tried to in- fluence him in any way—unliico some other politicians' wives. Harold talks everything over with me but rather as if he were thinking aloud and eryetal- The Hlaing his own thoughts,
The Wilsons wanted to spend most I do to ask if people theke honeymoon in the Selllles might not misinterpret some- and couldn't, but they go every thing he pinne to say..
tuve for the Tummer, as they
Two years ago last 10 years. they bought a bungalow there. "It is the only place I feel really hoppy." soya Mory Wil-
FOX,
"Or If I hear anything while I am out shopping which I think will interest him. I tell him about it. My own views some times digerne with his, but, although I
Interested in palitics because of the effect on " used to get very aIETY our lives, I am vague in my when people attacked Harald," views, For instance. I believe she says. "Now I try to keep disarmament →→ but In enim. If I get upset I wheeze general wny. I have no idea o I try not to get upset." how this should be done.
friends are
OVER a bacon and egg over to me, but I am an
Her own closest
דיי
Morri- can
the West
I SEE CHINESE COOLIES AT WORK
IN THE SHABBY CAPITAL THAT COULD DECIDE AFRICA'S FUTURE
From IAN AITKEN
Acera,
QUINEA'S Sekou Toure, the lean and hungry President of the only former French colony to walk out of the French community of where I have week. but the rest of the nations, is back in his West African capital of Conakry
the tense ideological full-time job is caring for her just spent a frightening three days-to resume
her tightrope walk which may 'ultimately decide the fate of Black Africa.
"Harold writes his speeches among ber neighbours, Her wltis Д radio blaring dance best friend is Harbert musle in the background. 1 zon's daughter Mary. don't know how he does it. He fell her everything," says Mary never rehearses his speeches Wison. breakfast, in a mo- the Houre to listen when I know At home she has daily help he is going to make an im- . the mornings for five days dest semi - detached
portant onu.
work she does herself, Her suburban house, a far-
Tamfy her husband and from-suburban husband
two sons. told his wife about સ decision he had made.
And been 3L
three o'clock before
ከዕ went to bed. During the night he faced his problems anci muide tip his
Bora Galtskeli turned to me. #hate Hugh makin, 5jec[ t*** Thy not here," that men are much better about she said. I have a sort or at letting their personal friend sentimental theory that there's ships be affected by differences a kind of telepathie communien e t But I am not one tion between husbands und wives these women who refuse to on these scensions- ht that the sneak to anyme who disagrees wife can give the many di- with her husband." tional strength. 1% maratonal. Dora Gaitskell laughed.
PIE you never spoke to people Karen't you poing with who degrees with you politi- mind.
lly, there would be a terrible silence in many occasions,
121
hân, this true?" I asked,
"Decame Cressida she's the
" always like to wade younger of the two Gaitskell daughter has a vital exam at and have a Jolly good orgument. the end of November, and 1 teel And I do. Then I feel better," she really does need a more siteation,
اليا
"She may be 18, but thi doesn't mean she doesn't require some attention from her inother, At times like this, I feel rather torn."
Dorn Gallskeil's large dook at a group eyes were looking of family photographis of the nearby desk. We had stayed on
the big table in the room ut known us "Dora's room," bu which is really G.H.Q.
Next to the large old-fashion- ed kitchen, it is the room the family uses most, Besides the long dining table i Dora's desk, the room inchides a sew ing basket, cookery books, a red alarm clock, a plastic Christmas tree, and two fertility dolls that Mr Guilskell brought back from Ghana."
"A sumber of people," I said, seemed to be surprised at the ferocity with which husband fought back at Scar-
Fascinated
I said; that
1
"Some people think
His decision
"I know I was marrying a politietan. Harold was always interested in polities even when I first knew him,"
Harold and Mary Wilson first met when they were both 18 at
lennis club in Cheshire, And from that breakfast on-
liked They both
playing Mrs Harold Wilson has tennis, She was blue-eyed, fair- words. had to face the fact that she haired, and the daughter of the
the nexi might be
Prime local Congregationalist minister. Minister's wife,
I
"But don't even want to think of it." she says, "It might Hour husband's honesty never happen. I like to face lubility in politice,"
things when they come. I don't Dora sald "He is reliant to even want to speculate on It. see the worst in other people, don'i ilke hurting people and it
Perhaps I'm less charitable.
traight hurt. the Gaitskells. nastier have
nature! know Dom Gaitskell and I have have Certainty
sometimes always got on well with her. guessed a man's real intentions, and I have told Hugh. But he
Lake doesn't
any matice!!!
1sitiel
he discuss polities with you in detall?”
inlk about "Of course we everything. 1 am fascinated by polities. Bat Hugh doesn't have
He's to consult his wife! that kind af man!"
There was a deflant note her voice,
"De
not
Dorn Galiskell is direct. She is warm. And she is positively tigerish in her devotion to her husband. Dur After a moment she spoke again. "It is said that political For The ilfe is a game. "I know," suid Dorn, "People politician's wife, it is a jolly have come up to me and said: good waiting, game."
The elder is Robin, 10, and She is proud that he plays the good at maths and music.
in the choir organ and sings
Free church they of the local
Gites. 12. wants all attend
to be a pilot.
Urgent call
When the birth of Giles was
father, then
He was just going up to Oxford expected,
his ON
the Board attending was important banquet.
Three weeks later he decided President she must be his wife. "It took Trade,
me a bit longer," she recalls.
Five years later on January 1, 1940-they married at Oxford.
Best friend
Back from the uproar of the United Nations General As- sembly, Sekou Toure swept home to a hero's welcome from · his lightly disciplined people.
ctrums Flags waved,
throb- bed, and gally-dressed WOMEN danced to order in the streets.
I have just flown out uf Conakry, once the charming capital
ol of one
France's smaller colonies
which and today is a battlefield in the cald
of
war.
an
The Duke
guest,
of Glouceser was chief
Harald
had to Wilson End
At his speech,
the reply to
had end of the dinner Wilson a message that he was wanted
The argently on
telephone. Knowing how near the speeches were he refused to go.
Says Mary Wilson: "It was a "In fact. I get on well with most of the wives of other M.Ps Monday. The beginning of the
Agala he had the same mes- whom I meet, None of them is week. the beginning of the year,
the information a very close friend but I don't the beginning of a new decade sage plus
that it was a matter of life or think 1 have any enemies elther, and the beginning for us."
This time he did go - The Wilsone
live in death. now "Anyhow, this
may, never Hampstead
the baby Suburb. he thought
hud Garden
arrived Their home is untidy and com-
or there was some- happen,
fortable, with linoleum in the thing wrong with Mary. hall but slippers by the reside
It turned out to be On the mantelpiece is a mapshot Canadian, wanting the answer
Never tried ·
"I am not a bit ambitious. I things were left to me I would rather we lived a quiet tie out of the pubile eye.. But if Harold wants to do anything I wouldn't dream of trying to dissuade him. He would't be my husband tr he didn't want to do things.
An impression
n telogram of Aneurin Bevan, of congratulati na from Maurice Edelman, a decanter of sherry, and a china Siamese cat Jewelled
There eyes Slamese cats on a calendar and Siamese cat on the hearth. His name a Nemo-called after a Scilly Isles steamer.
to a trade question.
But Mary
1
Wilson sums up with her whole attitude with one are sentence, She says: "I would never have telephoned hlin at
that....whal banquet like ever happened."
of gross inaccuracy goes out to the World
"To The East A Phoenix" by Nigel Cameron WE of this Colony of Hongkong are familiar with that stream of people who pass through our midst, and who, after spending a few days or a few weeks enjoying our hospitality, return to their native lands, and immediately, either in print, or on, television, inform the stay-at-homes what a shower we are.
cuil-
Usually, what they have to say with all the fidence of ignorance. ia amusing; sometimes irritat- ing; rarely annoying.
But "To The East A Phoenix," written by Nigel Cameron, and published by Hutchinson's at 30s, breaks all the rules of fair comment, Ignore the elemen-
by JOHN LUFF
tary principles of cub-ceporting.
"
onc
of
~(London Express Service.)
sure that if Mr Cameron would do this, we heartless scoundrels will whip round for ilus fare... and suitably reward him for solving a problem which has taxed our resources, both phy sical and mental, for years.
What about us?
The refugees ...... ran in the ruddy-duddly streels of Hongkong, past the windows of the English mandarines who were sitting inside sweating and - money-grubbing under the fans,
past the stately homes Englishmen stuffed with the Treasures of Peking which their fathers and uncles looted before the time of Sun Yat-sen."
of
I thought this latter so goodr that sought oul the men whose parents and uncles were in' China during the Boxer rebellion. Apart from the astonishment ut my question, The only treasures they had were those they had purchased in Cat Street, if you could cail them treasures,
But I dkt find one man whose father was actually in the slêge of Peking, and he did take some loot along with the rest. This man's father returned the look, his conscieniec would not permit
Mr Cameron sums up,
Its hotels and guest houses SWATER with hundreds of Russians, Chinese, Czechs, East Germans, Poles, and Yugosinys but to establish a foothold Africa.
Secret police
And they will stop at nothing, Chinese coolles, in traditional hats, labour stoleally to erect a vast Chinese exhibition on of town. Czech the outskirts secret police teach Cuincan ap- prentices
pull OUL how
the maximum ingernails with effect.
Russian
sweat
Iecture And to
professors interpreters. through German engineers build a huge printing works to flood West Africa with propa gonda.
CONAKRY
GUINEA
AFRICA
No fewer than 100
Chinese
diplomuts are packed into what is already Conakry's most posing embassy. Mure are the way,
their place are vodka, schnapps, aud East Geman beer.
in
Czech
Gumean soldiers In Soviet-
uniforms siyle
tole Czech weapons and ride jeeps. Their grimly efficien! disciplina is the work of Czech instructors.
Ono's morning coffee weakened
by Hussion sugat which flatly refuses to dissolya. Sodden Poilsh matches sply!teg and 20
before CALI! cigarette is alight.
Not one newspaper
lished in
cue's.
is pub-. the enire country: Instead, The Government Information service Issues duplicated nows-sheat packed
with news
of China's agricult
tural Irlumplis and the achieves
ments of Mr Khrushchev. At night the streets with packs
swarm
al hungry dogs' makes Impossible
whose certe howling slevy
And night driving hazardous, They .ore
household abandoned
peta, turned loose by the departing French.
Im-
In
on
from Endless delegates Africa, Moscow, Berlin, and Peking crowd the city's only first-class hotel.
Russian is the lingua franca of the hotel bar.
lile
the shopping centres, sullen people peer to empty shop windows. The big stores with second-rate East European goods are Laking over retall trade.
Medical supplies are almost unobtainable. And simple objects like tin-openers and
French wines und liqueurs, nalls are impossible to find:
Some 300 French citizens- once the pride and joy of one in 10 of the original popu
restaurants,
lution-remain miserably. ben In hind.
If they leave they must abandon everything. Their assets are frozen.
abounding have virtually disappeared,
In a rofugge shanty town
had nothing at all to lose? because Hongkong "was an un- known; but less unknown than
new political system," The better off refugees Mr his keeping it.
writes Completely lacking objective, Cameron
off in power and is a contemptible attempt it would seem to your reviewer phrase:
In China the refugees could be * treasure a sensational journalism rather that Mr Cameron has made up bastards padded with
sure of a free technical educa about his attitude they have been filching over
woll paid job....in than what it assumes to be, a Els mind responsible book published by long before he arrived in Hong- the years from the
mouths of flon and a
of already out. We shall be receiv Hongkong they are sure kong, and that his data are pro- these
lost vided by persons who take a being, presumably, the refugees neither, Oh Mr Cameron, come ing water from China this next
back. Be the Moses that will dry season. lead these people back to the
So much for Mr school promised land. How grateful
Enola, Treasure Government, wo residents, and and then the Chinese would be.
a terponsible person.
In the Hongkong Club
herical view
ones....
these
of Hongkong mentioned earlier, and is people, rather than the
I will not play the objective view a writer should master, but look. assume, unless, of course, he is stolen from mouths,
opagandist.
padding yourself with 14 not Unless, he is referring to dain are his grouped, so that the reader has gold teeth of many of the to glean and assemble the com- refugees.
on Hongkong society
Then
men's himsett.
Travels
he
But
the
Bro
theno
com-
wne
Cameron's
Politically the scene is equally frightening. For Prosident Toure is a one-man hand, "With Karl Marx as his guide.
There is one party for the 2,500,000 population Sekou Toure's party.
Yet he still proclaims he is a neutralist. His Interest, he declares. Is Africa. And his alm is to co-operate with any one who will offer help...
Is Sekott Toure still physically capable of pursuing a neutralist thic? Or is he already so de- pendent on the Communist bloe that he is in effect their cap- tive?
So far the West continues to stick to its belief that Guine Is not yet a dead loss.
But, on the sheer prestige level, the West is taking a humiliating beating. · Britain's able new ambassador, Mr Donald Logan, struggles hope- 1:ssly against the odds with a staff of. seven.
Ham-handed
The chancellery is crammed Into a minute apartment in A crumbling block of flats, its Union Jackę hanging in... Ump dedance of the "huge Chinese building up the street.
The American stamped
have handedness.
effort is
with typical ham-
'That Hutchinson's
For the State Department has published it, it is not
chosen to appoint a Negro da In my power to apologise to you residents of ing effort to gain cheap popu- its ambassador in a blunder- Hongkong, for I am merely re-larity. viewing this book.
tary work.
they Bent Ambassador John Morrow to the Court of St James's we would be more Impressed," say the Guincans.
A thin trickle of Anglo-. Amarican Ald dribbles Into Conakry to maintain the prew Lence. In Britain's case amounts to little more than four unhappy English teachers paid out of Foreign Office funds, London Express Servlet). ||
QUOTE
Shanghai Then of the Toland fecit.
I do t But Mr Cameron, knowing
low how high it "The Island usually called nothing of pro-war Shanghai, maices n man
feel to employ all the assurancu
the gemmalisations Mr Camer Hongkong is actually nomed tells us with
hus used. But I will say this Victoria," Really Mr Cameron, at a peace who knows not what
And you are the man of facts what he is talking about, "Thứ to Messrs Hutchinson.
Every refugees Recing from?
(VIC day, there are many ladies, in You spent, I know, only a week condition of the City "They were not to know that or two with us. Bat there is TORIA) is not as bad as that this Cocny, who devole the in the regime of China they However, here is
Mwould have at least enough to no excuse for this. A ten year of pre-war Shanghal. But the whole of their leisure to volun-
old turned eat. Probably dentist
chiki. oducated In a social structure is Identical. Cameron, a
no one actually Government school could have Now, on that one point I am
The Red Cross, washing the Author who was posted to glarves in Hongkong, but too
fold you that the island in confident,
children of the refugees, clothe Singapore on military service, many have too lle to ent for a year. After which,
That the social structure of ing them, feeding them, Lind- called Hongkong (to It while the enterprises of returned to England and don marce build costly office blocks, charted in the old saling days) Shanghal was absolutely differing up their rores, and other
dry; but the call of the east Page 140.
arts of mercy, Nor is the Hong- and the town is called Victoria, ent from that of Hongkong.
For this reason. was too strong,
Hongkong kong mago backward in dipping Mr Cameron did discover He returned
a Crown Coley. Shanghai- in his pocket. I have Loss furt year and a half, and spent that time mostly among primi
water is a problem.
was not,
toleratork for the Now all that. I get out of this Victorian social conditions" as from this week's tive peoples, including, so the done a lot. They needn'i brag dust cover tells us, three and a
(Because of the rofugees, Mr about it. They had the money Cameron.) It is one of the 1-
Mr Cameron puts it than he Review:-- has. isalf months, in China.
to do it." p. 189. "What has SMALLER problems, (please do This is what Mr Cameron been done is on the whole good not laugh, for Mr Cameron in That a person who has rays about the Hongkong for the refugeen. But it is-
auch on insecure grasp fugees. "A million and a belt, even better for caglial invest- quite serious) We could get ell
from the Chinese of facts that he is unable to the gross Injustice and the In- innocence or guilt of the Miling distracted and wetry - ment." p. 188. '
HRYS Mr accurately identify the spa. nvor the lo sotiloi heap of
the Would then, that Mr Cameron Government, but, Hongkong," They are hapless return to Hongkong and tell Cameron,..."they (the peonic graphical features of Hongkong,
commit himself to Hokong section of this book tapic they live where these refugees that they pro at Hongkong) would hate to dares "The air stinks of uring,” being explolled by British caple ask now," My dear Mr Cameron, print,
were in Hongkong. That Hutchinson's reader written up. Why did they come? This 181, and that back in Ching while you
many inac- class of peamante care, wo says food, opportunity and a kindly the lender for laying the pipes allows
And for Its tone, none at all." Mr Cameron, brosurg. Latz, DETENSMETA-I am PROVE from Chim, le: the Colony wyps curacles to escape him"
Why did the British Govern- ment encourage them into Hongkong? "They
have
want ve
to
Queen
But I have infinitely ten for
pretirany
WILI
which
Police
THE duty of magistrater
is to determine the
persons brought before them and not to instruct the police on how they should set about, the teals of enforcing the law..