Page "Lucy, Lady Houston" Paragraph 5

Many newspapers backing the opposition Conservative Party wanted to put pressure on Ramsay MacDonald's Labour government.

One newspaper sent a telegram to MacDonald stating that: " To prevent the socialist government from being spoilsports, Lady Houston will be responsible for all extra expenses beyond what Sir Philip Sassoon ( President of the Royal Aero Club ) says can be found, so that Great Britain can take part in the race for the Schneider trophy.

" The gift gave Lady Houston an opportunity to attack the Labour government, with the declaration: " Every true Briton would rather sell his last shirt than admit that England could not afford to defend herself.