MYSTERY TRAVELS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 85, 4 January 1941, Page 11

MYSTERY TRAVELS

Noel Coward’s “Mission”

Noel Coward, tiie playwright, actor and “man on a mystery mission in Paris” during the first stages of the war, has provided the secretary and servants of his house in Gerald Road with a surprise—a cable from Yokohama, states a London report of recent date.

They knew, of course, that his business in the United States had finished. And they had read a report that he had said he was going to find a peaceful spot till the war was over. But they expected him, nevertheless, to arrive home by way of Lisbon. He is on the way to Australia ami then will go on to New Zealand. The sudden flare-up in Eastern Europe and Africa has made impossible the fulfilment of his hope to continue his journey round the world. Noel Coward’s journeyings during the war have been the subject of interest to many people. These are the facts so far as have been ascertained: — His business in the United States was private and largely connected with his many theatrical ventures. One of his plays has been on tour in the States. There have been discussions about the filming of another. He lias no official Government backing, but is an old personal friend of lhe Minister of Information, Air. Duff Cooper, and carries introductions to people in various important American circles, people lie would not otherwise have met. He was also assured of a sympathetic and quick consideration of any reports he might make on American opinion toward Britain. Mr. Coward has been described by some one in an important position in Whitehall as “the most accurate objective observer this century has produced.” During his stay in Washington Air. Coward met Air. R. G. Casey, the Australian Alinister there, who invited him to visit his country. Air. Coward's friends, employees and the British Government have no idea what is the purpose of this visit. Air. Coward was for a time engaged in an official job in France connected with the British Admiralty. When he left there about the middle of May he obviously intended to return, as most of his books, some signed photographs, wine, and a mackintosh were left in his office.

He is now paying all his own expenses. He has royalties in the U.S.A. on which he can draw, but as his opinions are considered valuable, it is likely that he would be given easier facilities for taking money out of England than would be accorded to most people.

It was announced on Tuesday that because of a slight indisposition Mr. Noel Coward's arrival in New Zealand has been postponed for approximately a fortnight. The programme already published lias been cancelled and a new one will be publicly announced as soon as possible.