More than one Government department, including the Foreign Office, would very much like to know where is the ex-diplomat who, for present purposes, may be called “Mr X”. When, however, the name of the ex-diplomat is mentioned or any other enquiry about him made, officials become tight-lipped.

A number of rumours are, nevertheless, doing the rounds of the City, including diplomatic quarters. One hears of such things as the secret cypher, contents of diplomatic bags — and Embassy funds.

Rumours also have it that attempts might have been made by a certain Power to exploit “Mr X” in order to queer Pakistan’s relations with another Power.— Staff Correspondent

Colour bar in London

LONDON: Fifty men at a London cartage company threatened to strike if the company hired a coloured mechanic. A company official said the man “comes up to everything we want and is very suitable for the job, but the men apparently don’t like the colour of his skin.” —Agencies