n Explorer recalls presenting a Chihuahua to Haile Selassie

The renowned international explorer COLONEL JOHN BLASHFORD SNELL writes for the New Blackmore Vale magazine

As adventure training officer at Sandhurst, my job was to despatch officer cadets around the globe during the long summer vacation on worthwhile projects for the benefit of their characters and the least possible detriment to the Empire, as the Commandant put it. Scanning the world map in my office (labelled Training Area), Ethiopia seemed a suitably wild land to take a party of cadets on a zoological quest. A letter from my godfather, who knew the Emperor, resulted in an invitation from the King of Kings, Elect of God and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Thus in 1965 60 wellarmed, budding zoologists set out to enhance the natural history collections of the British Museum. I recall a particular quest for a rare species of mongoose believed to exist in the South of the country. Reaching the end of the trail we left our Land Rovers and proceeded on foot. Two army drivers would remain with them and I guessed that as soon as we disappeared they would be off sunbathing. To keep them gainfully occupied, I handed out two large plastic tubs and indicated a nearby mosquito-ridden swamp. “The museum is in urgent need of small green frogs. By the time I return I expect these to be full,” I said. “Sir,” they replied, in a tone verging on dumb insolence. Three days later, having collected the mongoose, we marched into camp and, as expected, the soldiers were dozing in the shade. “Frogs,” I bellowed. “In tub,” said one. To my astonishment both containers were crammed with writhing green reptiles. ‘How on earth did you do it?’ ‘Oh, was nuffin’ really, just a bit of hard work,’ they replied with assumed modesty. Much impressed, I recommended them for promotion! It was long after the expedition that I discovered their method. They would go to a village with a copy of Playboy. As soon as the local men had gathered round, they would open the centre pages and permit a quick peep, and then say ‘Three frogs, one look’. Thus encouraged, the natives would rush off to collect frogs. On our return to Addis Ababa, we were invited to meet His Imperial Majesty and report on our quest. The invitation was extended to everybody, and I wondered whether the court realised just how many we were. Protocol demanded one bowed to the Emperor three times. Once on entry, again halfway up the red carpet and finally when right before him. On leaving his

EASILY SPOTTED: The late Kay Thompson of Jersey and the Emperor’s pet cheetah presence one had to repeat the process in reverse. No problem, you may think, for well-drilled officer cadets, but Haile Selassie had his pet lions roaming the throne room and I could imagine a terrible incident that might result if a cadet, walking backwards, should fall over one of the royal beasts. I consulted Tommy, an Ethiopian working at the ‘Bow down, look British Embassy, who said: “You will notice that we cast ourselves down very low between your legs: when bowing to the Emperor, pressing our foreheads upon the carpet.” “Steady on,” I said, “we’re You can see lions’ British you know – a stiff little bow is all that is usually required.” “I’m not suggesting you be obsequious,” replied Tommy, “but if you cast yourself down low you can look between your legs and see the lions lurking behind you.” By this means 60 officer cadets and two ladies in skirts successfully entered

and left the presence of His Imperial Majesty. The next meeting with the Emperor came in 1968 following an even more epic expedition, when at his royal request, a team of servicemen and scientists, pioneered the use of inflatable boats to make the first descent of the uncharted Blue Nile; then thought to be the last unexplored region in Africa. As the Emperor was our patron, we felt we should take him a gift. Consulting the Minister at Court, I learned His Imperial Majesty’s favourite pet was a male Chihuahua named Lulu. Apparently his driver had the same name which could cause confusion at feeding times. However it was suggested we present the Emperor with a mate for his pet. Thus I phoned Judith, my wife, enjoying peace and quiet at home, and requested she find an attractive chihuahua bitch and despatch it forthwith to Addis Ababa. For the princely sum of £50, a fortune in those day, she acquired Lulette. So it was a red carpet rolled out as the Ethiopian Airlines plane halted and a sergeant of the Imperial Bodyguard, his pith helmet bedecked with a lion’s mane, carried a rather tired little dog into Ethiopia. We just had time to give her a shampoo before being driven to the palace. Now came the march into the throne room. Although I had practised bowing low, it was quite a challenge to do so whilst balancing a chihuahua on a silk cushion. The King of King’s eyes lit up as he reached forward to accept our gift. “You could not have brought me anything nicer,” he said in perfect English and having lovingly hugged the little lady, put her down on the polished floor. Immediately an excited Lulu appeared, rushing over, as dogs do, to inspect the new arrival and as a result Lulette who could no longer restrain herself, delivered an enormous puddle. “Never mind,” smiled the Emperor, “it shows she is at home in my Empire”. Whereupon Lulette went behind the throne and dropped a rather large mess. “Now you must see my other pets,” said His Imperial Majesty, leading us into his garden. It was unfortunate that our lady manager was wearing a leopard skin patterned dress when she met the Emperor’s prize cheetah.

HOP IT: Trading frogs with glimpses of a Playboy magazine and, left, John Blashford-Snell presents His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie with the Chihuahua, Lulu