FRANCE: Parisian Holiday

The Ambassador felt free to talk, now that his 19-year-old charge. Crown Prince Akihito, had left the dangers of Paris behind. During the Prince's recent exemplary week in Paris, he attended the opera, strolled along the boulevards, and avoided the Parisian spots dearest to the ambitions of most young men his age.

Writing for Tokyo's Asahi Shimbun, Japan's Ambassador to France Kumao Nishimura last week proudly recounted the diplomatic triumph that lay behind the Prince's sedate course:

"One day as the Prince's limousine was passing through the Champs-Elysées, the Prince casually asked: 'How are the revues in Paris these days?' I thought: 'Here it comes.' After hesitating for a moment, I collected my thoughts and answered: 'Your Highness, revues in Paris enjoy worldwide fame simply because there used to be such outstanding stars as Mistinguett and Josephine Baker, but their days are gone...The revue in Paris does not appear to be what it used to be.'

"After a minute of silence I added: 'Your Highness will be going to Biarritz and Cannes. When you visit those places, please go out on the beach. You will find lots of women here and there almost naked. You will see more than you will at a revue. But, Your Highness, it would be advisable to wear smoked glasses.' "