22 SEPTEMBER 1984, Page 19

Liquidity crisis

he other year, the delegation from an 1 African country famous for its bleed- ing heart was seen flying to Washington, occupying every first-class seat on the aircraft. They drank it dry of champagne, and called for more. Said the captain to the stewardess: 'Put soda in the white burgun- dy — they won't notice by this time.' They didn't. But then, some people can't tell gold from Special Drawing Rights.

Christopher Fildes