Depth of Ignorance

To Virginia-born Viscountess Astor, M.P., a shorthaired, winter jacket sounded like heaven. To Magistrate Harold McKenna at Bow Street Police Court, it sounded like a violation of rationing regulations. Lady Astor had written a friend in the U.S., asking him to bring the jacket, plus silk stockings, evening shoes, a dress collar and a white skirt.

Said the sharp-tongued mistress of Cliveden meekly: "I had no idea I was doing anything wrong. . . ."

Said the voice of British justice: "I am prepared to take the view that there was no attempt to smuggle. ... It is the depth of ignorance and degree of carelessness which is startling." Fine: -L-50 and -L-10 costs.

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