Clinton suggested for ancient military honour

London - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has been put forward for what is considered to be Britain's oldest military honour.

If he accepts any offer to become Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a post which can be traced back to 1226, he would be technically responsible for repelling an invasion of the southeast coast of the country.

"We were asked who we would personally like to see as Lord Warden and I think I caused a bit of stir when I said Bill Clinton," Joe Trussler, speaker of the Cinque Ports and mayor of the town of Sandwich, told Monday's Independent newspaper.

"I was thinking about what such an appointment would do for the region. He plays golf and the Americans love British history, so he may draw in greater tourism."

Originally the Cinque Ports was an association of five south English harbours -- Sandwich, Dover, Hythe, Romney and Hastings -- which were responsible for Britain's naval defence, though the association now embraces 14 ports.

The office has previously only been given to Britons or members of the Commonwealth, such as King George V, Winston Churchill and former Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies.

Other nominees for the ceremonial role to succeed the Queen Mother, the last warden who died in 2002, are former South African president Nelson Mandela, former British prime minister John Major as well as Prince Andrew and Princess Anne.

The choice will be made by Prime Minister Tony Blair and the queen and is expected by the end of February. -- Associated Press

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