There'll Always Be a Churchill

Labor M.P. Emrys Hughes, having heard certain disquieting rumors, had a question to ask of His Majesty's Government in the House of Commons last week. Was it true, he wanted to know, that shortly before New Year's Eve, 1947, two crates containing 24 bottles of whiskey had been flown from Scotland to ailing, vacationing Winston Churchill in North Africa?

"Such shipments were not specially specified in the records," answered Board of Trade President Harold Wilson. The House laughed good-naturedly. But the answer did not completely satisfy another honorable gentleman. "If there are any of the bottles left over," cried Communist Willie Gallacher, "will the Board President see that they are passed on to the miners in my constituency?"

It was unlikely that any bottles were left over. Winnie was back home, in fighting trim, and as much of a wassailer and a statesman as ever (see INTERNATIONAL). Britain, half-convinced now that there would always be a Churchill, experienced a new boom of Churchill anecdotes. Samples:

P: Churchill once paused to consider Sir Stafford Cripps, whose plaster-saintly face is enlivened by a perennially red nose. "A very satisfactory division of labor," said Churchill. "I get the drink and he gets the nose."

P: A few weeks ago, Churchill dined with a Tory at least 35 years his junior. Port and brandy flowed freely. The younger man was deeply shaken. Noting his expression, Churchill downed a tumbler of brandy, refilled it and leaned toward his guest. "Let me tell you something, young man," he said, waggling the glass, "You have to be born to this sort of thing and never give it up!"

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