2110-2-10-19

Dec 26 1913

57 Kensington Court, W.

My dear John

Many thanks for your appreciative note. I had no time to prepare, & composed as best I could in the train, but I was very generously treated. I'll send you

a reprint when duly corrected. As for Peebles, I was sorry that my attachment & obligations to Maclean should seem to make me forgetful of our old friendship - I always

avoid these personal clashings where possible - but I was discharging an old debt. I wish you would either (1) find another constituency or (2) give the rein to your intellectual & sentimental impulses & declare yourself

the Liberal which in many respects you are! You will never be comfortable with these Unionists & I verily believe that if it wasn't for Milner - well! All good wishes for 1914 to you & yours

Ever sincerely

John Simon