◆ SpookStack

, cocktail parties he had given Christine Keeler a lighter which was not-at all valuable but which she had admired when-he used it. The Solicitor-General asked Mr. Profumo whether in those circumstances he was prepared 1 imuc AVeke Bo wre Some a writ for slander or libel if he was advised that a proper opportunity presented itself. Mr. Profumo said that he most certainly would, even if it were againet a friend or colleague. The Solicitor-General reminded him of the effect of such a course of action if there was any chance for any defendant attempting to justify and-could prove that Mr. Profumo had been guilty of adultery. Mr. Profumo replied that he was aware of that, but that not every man who was alone with a woman and called her “ darling * committed adultery with her. Whatever might be said, he was not guilty of any improper conduct with Christine Keeler or of anything except the friendship of which he had told the Attorney-General. Mr. Profumo said that he appreciated that of course it now all looked different, particularly because of the deterioration in manner and recent conduct of the girl, but that at the time when he knew her she was very different. Mr. Profumo said that he knew that (because of those few meetings and because he had been alone with her only for a short time and . before others had arrived) he now faced ruin for himself and his family. He knew, he said, that in the particular climate of opinion then prevailing (the Radcliffe Tribunal was still sitting) there would be those who would disbelieve him, but that it would be grossly unfair that he should be driven from public life and into ruin when he was totally innocent and that he should become a victim of malevolent gossip, some of which was seeking to do to him what it had tried to do shortly before to one of his colleagues. Mr. Profumo insisted again, with veheménce, that he had not committed adultery and that, ‘although he would naturally prefer that thé gossip should die down, if anything was ever published or if he could identify a gossip-monger, he would sue, no matter who it was.. Sh i (iv) Mr. Profump’s Story Accepted 122. On Sunday evening, 3rd February, Mr. Profumo came with his solicitor (Mr. Clogg) to see the Attorney-General at his home. There was a general ‘discussion in which Mr. Clogg made it clear that Mr. Profumo had told him just the same as he had previously told the Attorney-General. In particular that Mr. Profumo’s relationship with Christine Keeler was entirely innocent, oe 123. On Monday evening, 4th February, the Attorney-General again saw Mr. Profumo. Mr. Profumo had with him his leading counsel and his solicitor. They reported to the Attorney-General the request for £5,000 made by Christine: Keeler, through her solicitor, to Mr. Profumo (I have described this in paragraph 103). The Attorney-General thought it was serious and advised Mr. Profumo that the facts should be placed before the Director of - CULL VEAL IFEE. 2 AY Public Prosecutions. The. Attorney-General took the view that there: would only be am offence if the proposed publication was untrue and libeliipns:(") and he was impressed by the fact that Mr. Profumo was ready to pag If a prosecution was brought, Mr. Profumo would have to give evince on oath about his relationship with Christine Keeler. - (7) Note-—I do not myself share this ‘view. Even if true,. it would, I think, be an offence, if done with intent to extort. See paragraph 99. e, oo ; +39