Post by Diarist on Feb 23, 2017 20:59:26 GMT 1
The dinner yesterday evening was a relatively small affair. The highlight was when Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg announced they would welcome their capital to be the provisional federal capital if it were decided to found the Confederation of European States. Earlier there had been a press conference on the steps of the Cercle-Cité. Winston insisted that I answer on behalf of the British delegation. The Luxembourgian government spokesperson told me later that my answering French questions in French and German questions in German went down well.
We landed at RAF Duxford shortly after 10:30 this morning. Sally was waiting for me and while the others went straight to London I went to 3 Raynhams first and stowed away my uniforms, weapons and Luger ammunition. A working lunch at 10 Downing Street is planned so I had enough time. Sally dropped me off at the entrance to Downing Street and I walked to entrance of number 10.
Inside John and Wilfrid had already arrived. When Winston and Louis arrived with the CIGS we were led to a small dining room. Anthony Eden and John Simon were with Stanley Baldwin who welcomed us home after what he called exceptionally successful negotiations. Thankfully Winston did most of the talking today. I did ask what needs to be done in order to commence formal talks. It was agreed that a cabinet majority would be enough. My role was also decided. I won't be going to Germany or Luxembourg instead I will be representing Britain on the Federal Defence Council in London. I'm totally satisfied with this decision because I don't want to leave London. Outside I suggested we go to the Army and Navy Club.
"It's Friday afternoon and SOE meeting time. Whatever's on our desks can wait until Monday morning." I didn't need to press the matter.
We landed at RAF Duxford shortly after 10:30 this morning. Sally was waiting for me and while the others went straight to London I went to 3 Raynhams first and stowed away my uniforms, weapons and Luger ammunition. A working lunch at 10 Downing Street is planned so I had enough time. Sally dropped me off at the entrance to Downing Street and I walked to entrance of number 10.
Inside John and Wilfrid had already arrived. When Winston and Louis arrived with the CIGS we were led to a small dining room. Anthony Eden and John Simon were with Stanley Baldwin who welcomed us home after what he called exceptionally successful negotiations. Thankfully Winston did most of the talking today. I did ask what needs to be done in order to commence formal talks. It was agreed that a cabinet majority would be enough. My role was also decided. I won't be going to Germany or Luxembourg instead I will be representing Britain on the Federal Defence Council in London. I'm totally satisfied with this decision because I don't want to leave London. Outside I suggested we go to the Army and Navy Club.
"It's Friday afternoon and SOE meeting time. Whatever's on our desks can wait until Monday morning." I didn't need to press the matter.