In general, V. was in a very pessimistic frame of mind, particularly with regard to the Far East and the Mediterranean. Things are getting worse and worse, the danger is ever nearer, yet no real measures are taken to fight it. Where is the world headed?

V. spoke bitterly about the fact that international complications have spoiled everybody’s vacations this year. He himself has to remain in London permanently. Eden is having a holiday, but within England and for just three weeks – with trips to the capital every now and again.

Chamberlain exploited Eden’s absence to embark on negotiations with the Italians behind his back, aimed at liquidating the Abyssinia conflict; DVP, 1937, XX, fn. 161, Maisky to Narkomindel.

Even the PM had to interrupt his holidays and convene an extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet. This is the first time since the war that the PM has not been able to spend his holidays in peace. This is what we have come to!

I listened to V. and smiled to myself: if only the spoilt vacations were the only trouble!