A Shade of Difference by Allen Drury

Author:Allen Drury [Drury, Allen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781562080013
Google: bCB-cgAACAAJ
Amazon: 1562080016
Publisher: WordFire Press
Published: 1992-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

“Now what was that all about?” the Daily Mail demanded. “International Row Splits U. S. Delegation; Lafe Smith Favors Blacks?”

“It wouldn’t be the first time, so they tell me,” the Daily Express said with a raucous chuckle.

“Mr. President,” Raoul Barre said in his firm and graceful voice as many dials at many seats were switched rapidly to the French translation, “it is true, as the distinguished delegate of the Soviet Union has just reminded us, that this is the first time this body has had a chance to decide whether or not to condemn the United States. The United States is thus a newcomer to an area where the Soviet Union has been before. It is not surprising, therefore, that this should be a novelty and a matter for comment to the Soviet Union.” (There was a little desk-banging at this, but he went calmly on.)

“Mr. President, it is not the purpose of my delegation to point the finger of scorn at anyone. We cannot defend certain practices in the United States. No more can we defend certain practices in the Soviet Union. We think there must be some consideration given to the matter of intent, to steps being taken to correct certain situations, to action within the United States on these matters. In short, we think attention of this distinguished assembly should be drawn to a resolution now pending before the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States.”

There was more desk-banging, a little mocking laughter from Ghana, Mali, Kenya, and the U.A.R. Raoul Barre ignored it.

“My delegation believes, and at an appropriate time later in the debate will offer a motion to the effect, that this debate should be adjourned until action has been completed by the Congress on the resolution now before it.”

“Well, there’s a neat out for you chaps,” the Guardian murmured to the New York Herald Tribune as the French Ambassador stepped down and returned to his seat amid a stir of buzz and argument all across the chamber.

“Who do you suppose put him up to it?” the Evening Standard inquired.

“Nobody ‘put him up to it,’” the New York Times said a little testily. “Hal Fry talked to him yesterday; I do know that. Maybe it came out of that.”

“Well,” the Daily Express said skeptically. “Maybe. It sounds like just what the French would do in a situation like this.”

“What’s that?” the Chicago Tribune asked dryly. “Try to find a civilized way out? I should hope so.”

“Wait a minute,” the Christian Science Monitor said hurriedly. “What’s Kenya up to?”

“What are they always up to?” the Chicago Trib said with a shrug.

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