Evening star., 1945-07-20

guests then went to the ballroom,
where an impressive ceremony was
to take place.
Rear Admiral william o. Spears
was the center of attraction during
the ceremony, for it was he who
received for Rear Admiral Richard
Mccullough the Merit of the Naval
Citation that was presented by Gen.
lara for the Mexican government.
The decoration was bestowed in ap-
probation of Admiral McCulough's
cooperation in further cementing
friendship and understanding be-
tween the two neighboring coun-
tries. The latter recently was re-
tired from active duty and is in
San Francisco.
Admiral r. S. Edwards, deputy
chief of naval operations, who sell
dom attends social affairs, was
present and was being greeted on
all sides by the large number OF
his naval colleagues attending the
gala fete.
The great doors Of the spacious
dining room were thrown open after
the ceremonies in which Admiral
Mccullough was decorated. The
long buffet followed traditions of
parties at this popular Embassy.
1t was evident that much thought
and consideration was given to this
fete to present the distinguished
Mexican officer to wartime officials
in this country. There was no
floral motif on the table. Tail
tapers silver candelabra dropped
a soft glow on turkeys, hams,
lobster salad and other substantial
dishes. Also on the table were
many tea-time dainties. Ice cream
and delicious cakes were served and
tea and coffee were dispensed by
wives of members of the Embassy
staff.
The most popular spot in the
Embassy was the patio where bever-
ages were served and where the
chirping and singing of Ambassador
Castillo Najero'S large collection of
birds made a delightful accompani-
ment to the, pleasant and friendly
conversation in both Spanish and
English.
Sonora de Castillo Najero was
present and was holding an i'm
promptu reception of her own. She
was not in the receiving line and
apparently was enjoying herself as
a guest, rather than hostess. She
wore a becoming gown Of black
crepe devoid of trimming and she
wore no hat.
Black also was popular with the
ladies in the formal receiving line.
Sonora de lara was in smart
street-length gown of black sheer
worn with a perky small black hat
and a purple orchid. Sonora de Ia
Colina was in black with an orchid
corsage and Mrs. Silk wore her
orchid in her lovely black hair,
which was almost the same color as
her gown.
Sonora RodoIfo de Fernandez,
wife of one of the very popular
members of the Embassy staff, was
holding a court of her own. Wear
ing striking gown of black crepe
trimmed with touches of sea island
blue which corresponded with the
tiny hat she wore, she was telling
some of her American friends that
she would exchange Spanish lessons
for Instructions in English. She
signed up two pupils on the spot.
Senor Fernandez is director of
prioritieS and oil co-ordinator of
the Mexican government With
Senor and Sonora de Fernandez at
the function was Mr.. George Hans
ley, assistant to Senor Fernandez,
who like the Fernandez couple knew
every one at the fete and generally
assisted in taking care of the guests.
Others who did their share in as
Sisting included Senor Don Vicente
Sanchez Gavito, able diplomat and
counselor of the Embassy.
Among the early arrivals were
Acting Secretary of State Joseph C.
Grew, the Director General of the
Pan-American Union, DR.. L. S.
Rowe, and Assistant Secretary of
State Nelson A. Rockefeller.
Receiving warm welcome from
her many friends was Mrs. Francis
G. Ulen, who arrived with her
husband, Capt. Ulen, U. S. N. This