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He made his address of welcome. He gave me the freedom of the town, presented the key of the city. I rose and made a reply in such good French as I could muster. I had done this six or eight times in Belgium and I was told that I had said just the right thing. That was that.

Then somebody brought in a great silver salver with champagne and champagne glasses. We drank to the health of Belgium. We drank to the health of the U.S.A. We bowed to each other and I went about my business.

However, even in little bits of towns in Europe they do it ceremoniously. In big cities like Paris, Brussels, London and other cities to be received by the mayor on a state visit is something. You just aren't told off-hand, “How do you do? Make yourself at home.” It isn't that kind of thing.

I think all big cities, including the City of New York, need that. I think it's quite shocking the way we do not do things well. For instance, the dinner that Truman gave on December 4th for his Cabinet before going out of office really needed a Grover Whalen to have arranged the thing properly. Grover Whalen was perfectly able to arrange a Knights of Columbus reception and procession down Fifth Avenue, with all the gaudiness and shouting that would be interesting and appropriate to that group. He was also able