States of America

"States of America, there was a Sotheby’s. In fact, when I learned that my responsibility tonight would be the toast to Sotheby’s, a story came to mind that is told about Sir Winston Churchill.” I don’t think there is a historic figure I admire more than Winston Churchill, and I incorporate his quotes in my public speaking when¬ ever it makes sense. I hoped this anecdote would effectively communi¬ cate the positive aspects of Sotheby’s Anglo-American personality. “In 1942, while reviewing a joint command of British and Ameri¬ can troops in North Africa, Sir Winston was warned that the two cultures often clashed most dramatically in, of all places, the officers’ mess. The Americans, who religiously drank their whiskey highballs before dinner, forbade alcohol during the meal. The British, on the other hand, allowed no drinking before dinner, but always served claret and burgundy at the table.” I continued: “Faced with the task of toasting the officers that eve¬ ning, Churchill arrived early and announced, ‘Before dinner we Brits will have to defer to the American rules. But at the table, you Yanks must abide by the British regulations.’ ” (Enthusiastic laughter and applause from the assembled lords and ladies.) “Churchill raised his glass and added, ‘I hope this arrangement for the fraternity of Anglo- American relationships will be accepted in good spirits by all!’ ”"