Evening star., 1954-11-21
Coronation Party Was High Spot

his wife, Does Perle want the job? Is she
going to take it?' But Mrs. Truman had to tell
him we had never even discussed 1t. II the
President himself had asked me to take 1t.
would have done so Immediately. though /
didn't want to leave Washington"
She finally took the appointment she says.
because they told her 1t was her duty to do so.
because she had lived In Western Europe so
much, because she had her own personal in
come. had no encumbranceS and they wanted
woman. They also wanted to separate Luxem-
bourg and Belgium. Heretofore the American
Ambassador to Belgium took care Of both coun-
tries.
Ike Is Visitor
She has lucky star There. within an hours
time from her. was the next President Of the
United States. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower,
commander Of SHAPE in Paris, and his wife
Mamie. They had been friends of hers ever
since he was an unknown colonel.
"And they are marvellous people who never
forget their old friends" insists this one
There was good golf course at Luxembourg,
SO time and again Ike and Mamie flew over to
be guests Of Perle's Ike and she talked about
cooking so much you'd think we were both
chefs" laughs Perle. "Ike'S better than am
but think I'm pretty good"
Having loved Luxembourg, would she take
another appointment? 81 haven't been asked
to-" was the frank reply. Il would never run
for Office but shouldn't say that because I
always end up doing what said wouldn't"
Having given the greatest party of her life
time in London at the time Of the Coronation.
she's more interested in lecturing right now
than being q hostess It's hard work and it's
challenge. And once week she gets an offer
to go on TV.
Greotest Party
But people stimulate her. and she'd rather
give a party than so to. one, so something
exciting and unpredictAble VIII be forthcoming
from this unusual woman who managed
to get behind the Iron Curtain year ago.
She never expects to top her Coronation party
because when in her lifetime, If ever again,
will the cream Of royalty and society be
gathered in one place for such brilliant and
historic occasion?
To give good party you have to play it by
ear, says Perle who doesn't drink or smoke SO
she's clicking all the time. She likes to get
Senator's Congressman, justices, etc., together
because good hot friendly argument is bound
to ensue She also likes to bring political OPP
ponents together at dinner honoring higher
ranking Official, then watch the ice melt She
doesn't believe in calling on people to speak at
her dinners-only on the rarest occasion.
"A lot Of people are very vocal and it can
become boring" she said. Her rival Gwen
Cafritz always has little talks
People outside Of Washington don't UNDER
stand how important parties here are because
they relieve political tension. says Perle They
may not affect political opposition but they
break down personal animosity, she believes.
Good food, good wines. good music. good COM
pany does the trick" That's the aim Of today's
hostess.
It can win the modern partygiyer honors
and high respect Her citation from Purdue
University reads: "A gracious lady whose
happy personality and flare for spontaneous
and genuine sociability give proof that the
happy person is an effective person; !. a
friend Of Purdue and believer in international
understanding through education who has edu-
Gated two young men from Luxembourg on this
campus. Purdue makes her an honorary MEM
ber Of the alumnae association"
Perle has q stack of such honors Shell
probably get more.