THE PRINCE'S POST
1,s. ADVERTISED in the Spectator, the ,ritish Council is looking for a Director- General. 'Applicants should have substan- tial administrative experience, independ- ence of mind combined with a willingness to speak for the Council to the media or within Whitehall, the ability to establish relations of mutual confidence with Gov- ernment departments, organisations and Individuals with whom the Council works, both at home and overseas, and a wide knowledge of British culture. The post Tvolves extensive travel.' There are no doubt a great many suitable and eminent candidates for the post, but we propose °Ile so eminent that the authorities have Probably not thought of him — the Prince °f Wales. Except for the 'administrative ev1Perience' (which could easily be dele- "Led), the Prince has all the necessary qualifications. There is no one in a better position to set British cultural, technical and educational achievements before the world. The Prince has a genuine interest in culture, but none of the impractical, effete qualities sometimes associated with the word. All his speeches on cultural subjects are marked by a practicality, a desire to get things done, which makes him ideal for a job in which the encouragement and pro- motion of creativity are more important than creativity itself. At present, the difficulties of his role frustrate many of his efforts. As Director-General of the British Council, he would have a clearly defined post, yet one which would not quarrel with his Royal position. And the status of the job is high — the Prince will be relieved to know that 'The salary of the post is equated to and kept in line with that of a Second Permanent Secretary in the Civil Service, which is currently £55,000 a year.'
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