A Spectator's Notebook
THERE IS A good deal of resentment in Tory circles against those who have opposed the Government over Port Said, but it seems to be much stronger against Mr. Nuttitig and the Astor family than against anyone else. The letter in our correspondence columns from Mr. Michael Astor, a former Conservative MP, shows that on this issue if on no other the four Astor brothers think alike. (The other three are Lord Astor, also a former Tory MP; David Astor, the Editor of the Observer; and J. J. Astor, Tory MP for Plymouth.) I think the probable reason for most of the Tory. venom being reserved for the Astors is the strong vein of anti-Americanism that has rather alarmingly revealed itself in Conservative circles during the crisis. Whatever the reason, this childish and nasty anti-Astorism has been taken to great lengths. It has even reached the extent of a widely circulated rumour that David Astor has been in touch with Mr. Cousins to urge him to call a general strike. Needless to say, this story is • completely untrue.
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