The Henson Journals

[153]

Saturday, July 19th, 1930.

The Committee sat until 12.30 p.m., and began half an hour earlier. We were engaged on the draft report, and I succeeded in carrying some connections mitigating the over–rigid episcopalianism of the draft. Neville Talbot was in a chastened mood. I lunched at the Athenaeum with Abp D'Arcy, who seemed well–pleased with the progress of his report. He spoke in high praise of Strong and Barnes. [[struck through] He thought little of the American members of that Ctee. So far certainly the Transatlanticks here made a very poor impression. They are not even 'eloquent' or 'forceful'!][end]

Ella and I went to Bexley in order to see Lady Limerick, and the wonderful old house, Hall Place, which her American son–in–law Ryan, lately deceased, bought for hear. She has furnished it in admirable taste. It is mainly a 14th century house, & is very charming indeed. We stayed on to dinner and then were motored back to Neville Terrace, where we arrived about 11.30 p.m.

[154]

[struck through] A local conservative member named, I think, Smithers came to dine. He was in the House on Thursday last, & witnessed the Rape of the Mace by a Communist member Beckett. He spoke strongly of the manners or no–manners of the Labour party. We got to an interesting discussion of Parliamentary personalities. His admiration for Baldwin was unbounded, but he plainly showed considerable doubt as to his ability to lead the party to victory. Winston Churchill was, he thought, the cleverest main in the House, but universally distrusted. He thought that his continuing invective against Snowdon was overdone. He though well of Inskip but held "Jix" in slight esteem. I was impressed by his evident dread of a General Election. Beaverbrook's movement would endanger many seats, and certainly cause the loss of some. He said that he was in the House, when the P. B. Measure was defeated, & himself carried the figures of the division to the two Archbishops.[end]

---