Seattle World's Fair Century 21 news: Mumps Speculation Causes Diplomatic Furor

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News from The Seattle World's Fair

A release from the World's Fair Press office on June 1, tells a potentially scary story:

MUMPS SPECULATION CAUSES DIPLOMATIC FUROR IN SEATTLE

SEATTLE, June l--The entire British nation was imperiled this morning by a 3-year-old Oregon girl - sort of.

While visiting with Gov. and Mrs. Mark Hatfield yesterday at their home in Salem, Ore., British Ambassador Sir David Ormsby-Gore and Lady Ormsby-Gore met the Hatfields' young daughter, Elizabeth, at lunch.

Shortly after their return to Seattle last night, it was discovered that Elizabeth had a case of the mumps.

Seattle diplomatic circles were confounded.

The Ambassador and his wife were supposed to spend two days with Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, during his visit to the Seattle World's Fair. What would happen?

Would they meet him?

If they did meet him, would they touch him?

If they touched him, would Prince Philip get the mumps?

Would Prince Philip take the mumps back with him to Great Britain?

The Ambassador and his wife could not be reached for comment.

The phone at the British Consulate in Seattle nearly rang off the hook.

Finally, with dignity and great restraint, the British officials made an announcement.

"This is to inform you that Ambassador and Lady Ormsby-Gore had had the mumps. They are completely immune. The schedule with His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was not to be changed.