U. S. Typewriters

George V paused before a British typewriter in a booth at the British Industries Fair, London. While His Majesty toyed with the idea of striking one of the typewriter's keys, a respectful member of the exhibiting firm enveloped a disquieting bit of information in honeyed words. The King was informed that almost all of the typewriters used by the British Government are of U. S. manufacture.

Conservative British journalists refused to quote the king's rejoinder. They declared that he seemed "intensely annoyed." The irrepressible correspondents of U. S. news organs cabled the King's words: "This is scandalous! I will personally see to it, and have the matter looked into."

Later, in the House of Commons, Mr. Ronald McNeill, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, declared that preference would be given to British typewriters by the Government as soon as the British typewriter manufacturers catch up with the standard set by U. S. concerns. At present over 150 U. S. typewriters per day are imported, duty free, into England.