In his opinion, the government is unpopular, but it may still hold on for a long time because the country has no alternative. The opposition is too weak in terms of quantity and, most importantly, quality. The voting masses will not entrust the helm of state to them at such a difficult time. L-G, meanwhile, concedes the possibility of new elections this very year if Chamberlain scores a major ‘success’ in foreign policy (e.g. the ‘withdrawal of volunteers’ from Spain or at least a temporary resolution of the Czechoslovak question). His electoral slogan would be: ‘I saved the country from war!’ It would appeal to many.

Speaking of political prospects, L-G expressed the opinion that Eden is obviously set on the premiership. Baldwin is guiding him. For the time being, Eden remains in the background. He makes few appearances and what speeches he gives are devoted exclusively to domestic politics (unemployment in particular). He tries to play the ‘gentleman’ towards the PM: I don’t agree with your line, but I won’t get in the way – show us what you’re capable of. The old man thinks that it’s clever of Eden to behave like that.

L-G told me a very amusing story about Beaverbrook. The other day Beaverbrook paid him an unexpected visit. During their talk, L-G uttered ironically: ‘your friend Chamberlain’. Beaverbrook leapt out of his chair and exclaimed heatedly: ‘My friend! My friend! Right!’

He said it in such a tone and with such an expression that L-G realized: something had come between Beaverbrook and the PM. But what? L-G could not tell me, but I heard the following story from another source. Beaverbrook had decided that it was time for him to occupy some lofty official post and had his eye on the position of minister for production (for the army, navy, air defence, etc.). Beaverbrook came to Chamberlain with his idea, but the latter snubbed him, without sparing his feelings. As a result, Beaverbrook joined the opposition.

I asked L-G what Britain and France were going to do if matters in Czechoslovakia took a turn for the worse. L-G’s reply was categorical: ‘Neither the British government nor the French government will take any genuinely effective action to defend Czechoslovakia against German aggression.’

My hunch is the same. L-G is afraid that developments in Central Europe may take the following course. At a certain moment, Henlein will claim that the negotiations have reached a deadlock, he will declare the Sudetenland independent and summon Hitler’s assistance. However, the Germans won’t attack Prague. In such a situation, the English and the French are sure not to do a thing for Czechoslovakia. The whole matter will be limited to protests on paper.

L-G was almost in raptures when he spoke about the firmness shown by the USSR in Manchuria.

‘You have taught a good lesson not only to the Japanese, but also to the Western democracies,’ he exclaimed.

Agniya took a few pictures of me and L-G outdoors.