20 JANUARY 1939, Page 6

The unification of a dual personality, of which I was

guilty a week or two ago in the case of Ian Hay—Major- General John Beith, may in certain circumstances cause un- intended inferences to be drawn. It arose, it may be remembered, out of a little matter of Havana cigars, recom- mended by Ian Hay, the novelist and playwright. When the recommendation was originally solicited Major Beith (Ian Hay) had not become Major-General John Beith, Public Relations Officer of the War Office. I am glad to make it clear that there was no question of Major-General John Beith using the office which he now holds to advertise these or any other cigars. * * * *