DLA163-0004  Transcription

Re DE LASZLO.

PROOF

of

THE EARL OF SELBORNE, K.G. P.C.

Charles Russell & Co.,

37 Norfolk St.,

Strand, W.C.

[Page 2]

THE EARL OF SELBORNE, K.G., P.C.

of 49, Mount Street, W.

WILL PROVE:-

I first met Mr. De Laszlo in the autumn of 1910, when he painted my portrait [6965] I met him socially a good many times between that and the beginning of the war.

In 1916 he at my request, painted from a photograph, a portrait of my son, who had been killed in action [7071].

I had many conversations with Mr. De Laszlo of an open and friendly nature. He struck me as being rather inclined to be indiscreet in conversation at our first meeting, when he knew very little about me. He expressed his opinion very freely about persons and things.

He spoke to me about the Kaiser, whom he had painted in very hostile terms, and he also appeared to be hostile to the German nation as a whole.

On the other hand, he showed himself a great admirer of Hungary. The country of his origin, and of the late Austrian Emperor.

I have had many opportunities of forming an opinion as to Mr. De Laszlo’s character and views. In my opinion he is a man of strict honour and integrity, and quite incapable of any disloyal or dishonourable act, so far as this country is concerned.

StdL

10/11/2022