High life
Whitewashing
Taki
In the autumn of 1962 Oleg Cassini, Jacqueline Kennedy's dress designer, rang me at the Sherry Netherland Hotel in New York. There was to be a party in his house later in the week for President Kennedy. 'Nothing formal, just a few friends to help the President relax,' said Oleg. 'You must come with Cristina.' Cassini was and continues to be a good friend. He was embarrassed when I told him that Cristina de Caraman, my then wife-to-be, had gone back to Paris and could I come alone or with someone else. Understanding his predicament I backed off. Young men without beautiful girls were not welcome to parties that helped relax the Kennedys. And Oleg did point out that someone from up high had requested Miss de Caraman's presence. A week later Oleg told me that I had been lucky not to be invited. 'Things got a bit rough and, knowing Cristina and you, there would have been trouble.'
In January 1963, in an upwardly mobile mood, I dated Anne Ford, youngest daughter of Henry Ford II, of Detroit fame. Waiting to pick her up one evening at the Car
lyle Hotel, also in New York, I was informed by her flunkey that she had gone down the hall to have a quick drink with the President and his family. J. F. K. used the Carlyle as his New York headquarters A friend of his thought it a good idea to introduce them. After half an hour, and just as I was about to leave, a very dishevelled Miss Ford arrived. She looked frightened but wore a strange, almost satisfied expression. It did not take a genius to guess what had happened. 'As soon as I yelled that I would tell Daddy he let go,' she said. 'He didn't get angry but became gentle and kind. I think he's great,' was the way she put it.
Soon after John F. Kennedy's tragic death I moved to Paris. I spent my time at Porfirio Rubirosa's beautiful house which bordered the Bois de Boulogne.
Whenever a super-star came through town Rubi would throw a party. Two samba bands and the best lookers of Paris were summoned at the drop of a hat. Teddy Kennedy was a frequent guest of honour. Young and horny Teddy was known for his caveman technique —or approach rather. When escorts of the various targets of his attention took exception, an altercation usually took place.
The reason for all this reminiscing is not nostalgia. It is a book by Arthur Schlesinger Jr., excerpts of which have recently appeared in Esquire magazine. The subject is Bobby Kennedy, the second brother of
that flawed but charismatic Irish-American dynasty. To call it a hagiography would he an understatement.
Schlesinger, who is married to a very rich, woman, longs to return to the centre 01 power where he once belonged for a thousand days, Washington DC, and as the inept Jimmy Carter has made a Kennedy candidacy de rigueur for 1980 certain preparations have to be made. Like the Kennedy image for example. As the martyred John Kennedy needs 00 PR job, Bobby, accused by many as being shallow, vain and untrustworthy while alive, is next in line. His personal peccadillos were the same as Teddy's are today. Whitewash Bobby, make the public feel guilty for 1115 murder, and Teddy will have a clearer run• The Marilyn Monroe affair with Bobby Is glossed over the same way some news" papers friendly to Teddy forgot to check the fact about Chappaquiddick. Yet two women died directly because of their Kennedy oilnections. Imagine if Nixon had been involved. The rack would have been too good for hon. Two years ago Teddy came to Europe orita private visit. Surrounded by arrogan clever aides he attended the usual arrange' relaxation party. An American girl studying in Greece was given something to intlal,e and later became hysterical. She claiirleu, Teddy attacked her. Her father flew eve' from New York. The press kept quiet. After a while so did her family.
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