February 19, 1918 - Don Martin attends George-Asquith debate in the Commons

Don Martin diary entry for Tuesday, February 19, 1918:

Up early. Went to Sunderland House on Curzon St. to see [Consuelo Vanderbilt,] the Duchess of Marlborough with whom I had an appointment. Had a pleasant ½ hour chat with her – the first interview she ever gave to a newspaper. Told her I would come back in a few days and read it to her. She talked about the war work she has done. She is really quite a charming woman, quite handsome yet though getting a bit grey. In the afternoon went to the Commons and heard a most interesting controversy between Lloyd George and [H. H.] Asquith. Much hostility to Premier because of charges that he lets Northcliffe run the government through his newspapers.

Prime Minister Lloyd George

H. H. Asquith, Prime Minister 1908-16

Went to office; wrote the Marlborough story and waited for another air raid warning which didn’t come. Got wire from Bennett to interview Repington and Gwynne. Couldn’t get them tonight.

Very thick black fog

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