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wa 2 Nee, 2S aie cm bom. Fog oqugrmb1 simu fad 14. a.ge PU ite fie io. tel CHAPTER XN. aoa _ bs gut notes qubeils Boge ure UG oe By Ale * Me. PROFUMO'S RESIGNATION ve otyih inde a ad 5 i 216, The security issue taised by Mr. Wilson and the burst of. z in Fleet Street had their effect. During the week, 27th-30th May, the:4 Whip and the Prime Minister's Private Secretary separately saw Mr. Profumo. Mr. Profumo was told that it looked as if there would be an inquiry. [f there was any flaw in his story it would do the Government enormous damage. It was put to him strongly that, if there was anything untrue in his statement to the House, he ought to reveal it of his own accord. He again denied that he had said anything that was untrue. He was told that the Lord Chancellor might want to see him some time the following week, 217. On Friday, 31st May, Parliament adjourned for the ‘Recess. The Prime Minister left for a short holiday in Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Profumo left for a short holiday in Venice till Thursday, 6th June. The Press thought something was going to happen. At London Airport Mr. and Mrs. Profumo were inundated with Press men and cameras. They arrived at Venice in the evening. Mr. Profumo told me that he had already decided that he could no longer go about with this terrible guilt on his mind. He decided to tell his wife. But they had a quiet dinner together first. After dinner Mr. Profumo told his wife the truth—for the first time—that he had had an illicit association with Christine Keeler. He toid her all the details. They talked over it most of the night. Mrs. Profumo said, “ Oh, darling. we must go home now just as soon as we can and face up to it.” That is what they did. Flying back would attract attention. So they went back next day on the night train and came back by boat. 218. It so happened that {after they had “decided to return) at about 9.30 a.m. on the Saturday morning a message came through by telephone to the hotel in Venice saying that he’ was wanted back a day earlier. That was true. The Lord Chancellor was starting his inquiry and wanted to see Mr. Profumo on Wednesday, 5th June. But they had already decided to feturn. | 219. Mr. and Mrs. Profumo arrived in England on Whit Sunday, 3rd June, and early next morning motored down to Suffolk to Mr. and Mrs. Hare (who were great friends of theirs). Mr. Profumo told Mr. Hare the truth. After taking his advice, Mr. Profumo returned to London and on Tuesday, 4th June, he saw the Chief Whip and the Prime Mimister’s Private Secretary. He said without preamble, “1 have to tell you that I did sleep with Miss Keeler and my statement in that respect was untrue,” It was plain, of course, that he could not remain as a Member of the Administration. He must resign. 220. These letters then passed: “Dear Prime Minister, You wilt recollect that on the 22nd March, following drtain allegations, made in Parliament, I made a personal statement. Ti | |