Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-09
DIPLOMATS READY
|. TO FOREGO LIQUOR
Would Stop Use at Public
Functions if "Hint" Came
From Proper Quarter.
BY FREDERIC WILLIAM VILE.


On the highest authority it can be
stated by this writer that If a definite
hint" on the subject were to come from
the proper quarter" Washington's
diplomatic corps would in all probability
abolish the serving Of liquor at oficial
functions. Gratifying as such develop
ment might be, from the standpoint of
those interested in prohibition law OBJ
it may at once be stated-on
equally good authority-that no such
hint" is likely to be forthcoming. The
Hoover administration considers that
the 55 embassies and legations in Wash
ington are foreign soil inhabited by Of
ficial foreigners living their own lives.
II they confine the serving Of liquor to
those premises there is no probability
whatever that they will be asked to de-
sist.
The viewpoint Of the diplomatic corps
was sought because the opinion latterly
has found expression in certain official
quarters that it would be "a friendly
gesture" for the Washington represent
atives of foreign governments to do In
Rome as the Romans do" viz, submit
to the eighteenth amendment and the
Volstead act.
Senator Suggests Gesture.
A distinguished Senator Of the United
States. infuentially associated with our
foreign relations, goes the length OF
saving he can imagine nothing that
would make a more favorable impress
sion on the American people.
people living in another country are
suuposed to obey the latter's laws, ne
saws bluntly. IT don't see why diplomats
should expect or receive immunity re-
garding a law for the violation OF which
American citizens can now be sent 10
prison for five years and be nneo SlV'-
OO0."
During latter-day discussion OF pro-
especially since President HOO
yer called for the countrys support on
day. the question OF none-
dry diplomatic dinners and receptions
has been brought up within the corps.
One or two ENJOYS expressed a readl-
ness to take the lead and henceforward
serve LIQUOR only within their own fam
ily or official circle. other chiefs OF
mission demurred. They took the posi-
ton that no discourtesy toward the
United States is involved by adherence
TO aqe-old habits on their own soil.
and indicated decided disapproval OF
any scheme, voluntary or otherwise, TO
put LEGATIONS and embassies on the
yater-wagon. Yet. the corps spokes-
man. with whom the whole subject has
lust been canvasSed, is strongly OF the
opinion that il the President or the
Secretary of State. either ofncially or
were to let it be known that
public dispenSation of drink by Am
bassadors and Ministers is undesirable,
the practice would automatically cease.
It would amount to "a royal command"
Hardly any accredited envoy would care
to flout it, no matter what his personal
resentment might be.
Found Liquor Freely Used.
In this connection, diplomats recall
the experience of a South American
envoy. who presented his credentials at
Washington within the past year, He
came here with ideals" He said he
was going to live up to American laws
and serve no intoxicants at his parties.
He began entertaining along those
lines. But soon, he claims, he found
himself being entertained by high
United States Government oficials-
including, it is said, at least one cabinet
minister-at dinners where wine flowed
freely. So he came to the conclusion
that he would continue to do as the
Romans do" and serve liquor. He is
still doing so.
Every foreign diplomat in Washing
ton, inclusive of the ranks OF charge
d'afTaires and secretaries, has the
right to import practically an unlimited
quantity of liquor "for personal use:
Probably 200 persons come within this
privileged category. 1t Is, OF course,
an open secret that these immunized
foreigners do not bring in grand
total of many thousands Of cases OF
;iouor A year "for personal use" at all.
They get it and serve it mainly for
the consumption of American guests.
Invitations to Washington legations and
embassies are coveted as distinguished
social honors. but the opportunity to
slake Volsteadized thirstS at those
cases Is not the least Of the reasons
why natives are anxious TO visit them.
It very frequently happens that some
American guests at diplomatic lunch
con or dinner tables do not indulge.
Several Senators, Supreme Court JUS
tees and other dignitaries are well
known to legation and embassy buffers
as teetotalers. The dry American
statesmen either turn their glasses
down when liquor Is being served, or.
If their glasses are filled, leave them
unsipped.
tCopyright, 1920