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Private

St. Stephen's House,
London, S.W.1.

13th February, 1934.

My own darling,

I have just come back from lunching with Circe. The
idea apparently is to get John Davidson out of the Chancellorship
of the Duchy and put me in. I don't think that possible, for
Baldwin would certainly resign, in spite of his friendship for
me. The only other alternative would be to create an extra Minister
without portfolio. The P.M. is a queer bird. He rang up
Circe last night and was apparently aggrieved because when I talked
to him yesterday I only talked about the High Commissionership.
But I was only given two minutes by his private secretary! However,
I shall have a long talk with him tomorrow night.

The latest rumour is that France is going to offer her
throne to the King of the Belgians. I have a lot of other gossip
which must wait until I see you.

Frankly, I don't believe anything will come of this
scheme of the P.M' s, for it is too difficult. Apparently Hailsham
is very keen about it.

Much love from

John