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Western Mail, Thursday, 9 January 1930, p. 2
"Politicians and the War"
In "Politicians and the War" Lord Beaverbrook tells some entertaining stories. In analysing Lord Birkenhead he said his chief enemy was always his own biting and witty tongue, which spared no man, and often gave offence to people whom he really loved and admired. The late Mr. Welsford, a millionaire, was a good-hearted individual but rather fond of talking and boasting. He became in fact a club bore. Lord Birkenhead came to loggerheads with him as a partner over the bridge table.
"Do you know who is the most unpopular member of this club?"
"I suppose," replied Mr, Welsford, "that you mean me."
"No. I don't," said Birkenhead.
A silence followed.
"Do you know who is the most unpopular member of this club?" repeated Birkenhead.
There was no answer.
"Well, I am, because I proposed you for membership."
Another time he met a lady who professed to having an intimate acquaintance with a general who was attached as liaison officer to the staff of one of "our gallant allies."
"General ___," said the lady, "can make the ___'s do anything he likes."
"Really, can he?" replied Birkenhead.
"Of course he can," said the lady.
"Could he make them fight?"
"Of course he could."
"Then," said Lord Birkenhead, "why doesn't he?"