Wilson's popularity has declined so precipitously among British voters that it was felt extraordinary measures should be taken. Why not use Wilson's "special relationship" with Johnson? Perhaps a bit of "rub off" of Johnson's popularity would help. And -168-
P" WITH JOHNSON PAYS OFF HANDSOMELY
at no injury to Johnson. In fact Johnson's own popularity has declined so badly with the American voters that anything that could be rubbed off from Wilson's popularity would certainly be appreciated
As Harsch put it, "What the two men could do was help each other out of mutual difficulties by an exercise in ‘atmospherics,’ at which both are skillful."
Wilson, as the head of a bankrupt empire, had to pay of course for the unusual time allotted to him. "In return" for the extra two and one-half hours "it is understood," said Harsch, "that Mr. Wilson will continue to say 'the right things' about such matters as the Vietnam war and the snatching of American war~ ships by North Koreans."
A "special relationship" with Johnson, it is plain to see, is a very valuable asset.