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y (1957) and Under-Secretary and later Minister of State, Foreign Office (1958): * and in 1960 he became Secretary of State for War. No one can doubt that a man with such a record was entitled to the confidence of his collpagues and of the country; and it should not be assumed by anyone that he. would give away secret information. Whatever indiscretions he may have comaqities, and whatever falsehoods he may have told, no one who has given evidence before me has doubted his loyalty. In particular there was no reason for the Security Service to suspect it. a 18, Mr. Profumo married in 1954 Miss Valerie Hobson, a talented actress, and her support of him over their difficult days is one of the most redeeming features of the events I have to describe. . v) Lord A Ate ao re 19. Lord Astor succeeded his father in 1952 and inherited the estate at Cliveden. He had previously taken an active part in politics but since that time he has devoted himself to his private affairs and to charities in which he is interested. He has done valuable work for hospitals, particularly the Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital at Cliveden. He has done a great deal for refugees, and has been all over the world on their behalf. He has provided a large sum as a Foundation for scientific and other studies. He has played an important part in many educational and social charities. He has also important business interests. He inherited a famous stud of racehorses, which he manages himself, and also a farm of 250 acres. r 20. Cliveden is one of the great houses of the country. It is owned by the National Trust but the present Lord Astor is the tenant. He has upheld its tradition of hospitality. He has guests staying most week-ends and often friends for meals. They include the names of some of the most distinguished and respected people in the land. 21. Lord Astor got to know Stephen Ward in 1950 when he went to him as a patient after a fall at hunting. Stephen Ward treated him well and cured him. Ever since that time Lord Astor has sent him many of his friends as patients. 22. In 1956 Lord Astor let Stephen Ward a cottage on the Cliveden Estate. The cottage was down by the river, while the big house is on top of the hill. To get from the cottage to the house it is a quarter to half a mile’s steep walk, or one mile by road. Stephen Ward used to come up at week-ends and give osteopathic treatment to Lord Astor and to those of his guests who desired it. The account, including payment for the guests, was charged to Lord Astor. Stephen Ward often had visitors at this cottage. Usually they came for the day, and remained down at the cottage. When Stephen Ward went to the big house to give treatment he went by himself. On oceaaious, Lord Astor invited him to come up to Cliveden for lunch or for drinkg, 23. Lord Astor had no sympathy with Stephen Ward’s politicel-views and made it clear to him. But at the pressing request of Stephen Ward, he did on occasions help him in approaching the Foreign Office (as will appear later), but not in any way sponsoring his views. 9