Diplomat Unable To Rent Home

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30143, 29 May 1963, Page 15

Diplomat Unable To Rent Home

(N.Z.P. A. -Reuter—Copyright)

NEW YORK, May 27.

A British diplomat at the United Nations has been refused a home by several New York landlords because he wants to entertain African and Asian delegates, according to an informed source.

’ A United States spokesman said today the American delegation was “doing its best” to help the diplomat. Mr Cecil King, to obtain suitable accommodation. It was believed the task had been complicated by Mr King’s w’ish to rent apartments in an exclusive part of Park avenue, which has yet to lower its unofficial “colour bar.” The source said Mr King had been on the point of obtaining a lease several times, but had been rejected when it had been discovered he was a United Nations delegate.

Sir Hugh Foot, Mr King’s predecessor as Britain’s representative on Colonia] Affairs, had similar difficulties when he came to New York, the sources said. They cited other instances of Western diplomats being refused accommodation because they

would want to entertain African or Asian guests. African delegates themselves often pay exorbitant rents for good residential areas, while others move outside Manhattan to boroughs where discrimination is not so prevalent. It was understood Mr King felt it essential to remain in Manhattan, which is close to United Nations headquarters but he was said to De growing impatient at his failure to obtain a place after months of living in hotels.