If, as is reported, Dr. Wellington Koo comes to London
as Chinese Ambassador in succession to Dr. Quo Tai-chi, appointed Foreign Minister of China, diplomatic circles will have considerable compensation for a very real loss. Dr. Koo, himself a former Foreign Minister, is an experienced and polished diplomat, fluent in English and eloquent in it on the platform. Some twenty years ago I listened to a historic duel at Geneva between him and Mr. Srinavasa Sastri, one of the ablest speakers in the Empire, on the respective Chinese and Indian points of view in the matter of opium. As for Dr. Quo, there is no one who knows him who will not regret his departure unfeignedly. Quiet, wise, clear-cut in his opinions, he has kept the traditions of the Embassy in Portland Place at as high a level as they have ever reached, and it is a notable recognition of his sagacity and ability that General Chiang Kai-shek should have called him home to take up the post of Foreign Minister. On the social side Dr. Quo never arranged anything more popular than an evening party he gave at Burlington House during the Chinese Art Exhibition. To be able to study the exhibition at leisure, without the daytime crowds and under the best possible guidance, was a privilege to be both prized and remembered.
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