ENPages
page_0001
[Earl of Crawford] DICTATED
7, Audley Square, W.1.
28 x 37
Dear John
I was intrigued by your letter of the 13th about the Duke of Windsor's desire to visit you. I have already heard Ronald groaning with vexation about the projected visit to Washington but I realised at once that your problem is infinitely the more delicate - but so much so with the complication of British Territory and a compact R.C. population that I cannot help feeling the Duke will abandon the idea. We have heard nothing about it here.
When he announced his transatlantic trip, couched in quasi- provocative terms, Washington pricked up its ears. It is true that he has staid in Paris Vienna & Berlin without sleeping at the Embassies, but he virtually asked to go to Ronald who had to consult his masters in Whitehall. He was in fact summoned to Balmoral to talk about it, at the moment when Roosevelt was making his speeches about the European War fever which so effectively thrust Judge Black into the background. Exalted personages are not only nervous about the visit to America, but they view it with serious and growing alarm. The topic absorbs
page_0002
conversation - both of them - and they were desperately anxious to hear what had been "settled" about the reception at Washington. They were much relieved to learn that a dinner party wd be offered in the Duke's honour and no more.
What interests me is the fact that this feeling of insecurity shd exist - the consciousness of a rival whose movements are always uncertain, whose perceptions are astute and who does not command any particular reputation for loyalty. He has behaved well hitherto, but more by force of circumstance than from any higher motive - at least that is what his recent pronouncements lead people to believe.
Already nearly 3 months ago when the K and Q went to Balmoral, solitude and its reflections began to make them timorous. Previously it was the burden and responsibility of court ceremonial which appeared to weigh them down - but in the freedom of Scotland it transpired that they felt a rival was always hovering in the background and planning a open appeal to publicity, to popularity. How wrong
page_0003
2
they were, how wrong they are. Their modesty makes them misjudge their own position. Let them keep bright the flames of their domestic hearth and all will be well. Britain will ask no more and as time goes on, no machination even tho' supported by Rothermere and/or Beaverbrook will prevail. The King & Queen had a tremendous reception last week in Yorkshire and they made a great impression at the forming of Parliament. The little Princesses conciliate all hearts. A little more self- confidence in our young Sovereigns will not be amiss.
As to the D of Windsor, one must remember that he has no tastes, no resources. He is as nearly illiterate as a well trained and experienced man of the world can be: but he is restless, fidgetting about all day long, and unable to sit down or settle to an ordinary humdrum bit of duty. He is unconscious of having behaved with levity towards the greatest obligation and privilege of Empire. She poor woman must be bored to distraction - surrounded by second rate people and always lacking the opportunity she longs for of shewing herself off to
