February 12, 1918 - House of Lords; speeches by King and Lloyd George

Don Martin diary entry for Tuesday, February 12, 1918:

King George V and Queen Mary of Teck

Saw the House of Lords and Commons in session. King and Queen, Crown Prince and all the rest of the useless outfit in the Lords. King made (or read) a speech. Spoke clearly and well. Ceremony here brief and shorn of its pomp and gold decorations because of war. Heard Asquith [former Premier] and Lloyd George the Premier in lively argument. Was my first view of both; also of the King.
Lloyd George made one of the best speeches of his career. All on war – the Versailles conference. Refused to tell details as would amount to treason, he said. Is a very forceful actor. Used only few notes – America cheered; also every reference to President’s answer to Heartling and Czronin published today. King and everyone says war must go on till Germany is willing to talk a decent peace. Cabled something to N.Y.

Weather delightful.

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