Good & Trusty Servant

As newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, Peter Thorneycroft is responsible for every pound, shilling and penny in Her Majesty's treasury. His butler is not, and it is just as well. For last week Thorneycroft's butler admitted that only six years ago he had taken a hand in stealing some $150,000 worth of jewels from a previous employer, the Duke of Sutherland. And furthermore, he added loyally, Thorneycroft already knew about it.

Donald Macleod entered Mr. Thorneycroft's employ in 1950 with exemplary references. But his secret gnawed at his conscience, and after two years Macleod went to his employer and confessed all. On the night of Nov. 4, 1950, Butler Macleod had left a window open in the Duchess of Sutherland's bedroom. While the duke and duchess dined, served by the impeccable Macleod, two friends of his climbed through the window, rifled milady's jewel boxes.

Thorneycroft advised Macleod to go to the police. On Macleod's evidence, his two accomplices were condemned to prison; he himself was let off for testifying and went back to work for Thorneycroft. "He told me he would look after me if I were truthful," explained Macleod. "He has kept his word." Last week Thorneycroft insisted: "He is an excellent butler. Of course, I didn't know at the time that I was going to be Chancellor of the Exchequer. But that doesn't make any difference." But when Thorneycroft moves to the Chancellor's official residence at 11 Downing Street (next door to the Prime Minister's), Macleod will not go with him. Macleod is seeking another situation, explains Thorneycroft firmly; he has not been fired.

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