The martini Fleming orders is a variation of the Vesper, a drink that was later invented by his character James Bond in the novel Casino Royale. The martini is only missing a "large thin slice of lemon peel."
Esmond's father, Harold Rothermere, briefly supported fascist causes in the Daily Mail in the 1930's, when appeasement was a popular option. Any hint of supporting appeasement disappeared from the paper after Esmond took over in 1940.