NOEL COWARD’S MISSION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21250, 22 October 1940, Page 7

NOEL COWARD’S MISSION

POLITICAL CURIOSITY CRITICISM IN PARLIAMENT Mr Noel Coward's official business and standing in the United States were the subject of some sharp questioning in the House of Commons on August 6. Mr Harold Nicolson, another man of letters, answered on behalf of the Prime Minister. The report is from the London Times:— Sir A. Southby (Epsom, U.) asked the Prime Minister on what mission Mr Noel Coward was engaged by His Majesty’s Government, from what Minister did he receive his instructions, whether those instructions directed him to seek an interview with the President of the United States of America, and by whose authority did he make suggestions regarding shipments of food from the United States of America to Europe. Mr H. Nicolson, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Information (Leicester, W., Nat. Lab.), who replied, said: “ Mr Noel Coward has gone to the United States on a short visit with the knowledge and approval of my right honourable friend. So far as I am aware he did not seek an interview, but was asked to call on the President with whom he is on terms of personal friendship. “ Any remarks that Mr Coward may have made to the press in regard to the shipment of food to Europe were merely an expression of his personal views.” What Special Qualifications? Mr Shinwell (Seaham, Lab.): What special qualifications does Mr Noel Coward possess to act as a kind of ambassador to the United States of America? Mr Nicolson: Mr Coward is not acting in the functions of an ambassador. The qualifications he possesses are contacts with certain sections of opinion which are difficult to reach from ordinary sources. Mr Granville (Eye, L. Nat.): Is the Minister aware that this gentleman does not appeal to democracy in America and does not represent democracy in this country, and is doing more harm than good; and will s he bring him back to this country? (Hear, hear.) Mr Bellenger (Bassetlaw, Lab.) asked whether the Minister was aware that feeling was arising in this country that if a man had a certain publicity value and money he could get out of this country quite easily, even on short visits, and probably not return during the time that we may be going through very great stress and anxiety? (Cheers.) Mr Nicolson: That is grossly unfair. Mr Denville (Newcastle, Central, U.): Is not Mr Coward only doing what any other Britisher would do when in another country—speaking well of his own? The cables recently stated that Mr Coward will visit Australia shortly.