2110-3-2-11

76, PORTLAND PLACE, W.

Aug: 23: 17

My dearest wee Mother

This is a wet morning after the fine spell of weather. Susie came up yesterday evening. There was an air-raid on & I was rather nervous about her travelling, but the raiders never came inland. The Home Forces people send me

first news of all their raids. Susie is very much better now. She is going to the oculist this morning, for she has been having headaches.

Yesterday I lunched with Gleichen [ST adds 's', perhaps having read 'at' for 'with'] after going over his Intelligence Bureau. I make a practice of personally visiting all my sub-departments every week or two.

I am lunching with the Italian

Ambassador to-day to hear about the Italian offensive, which seems to have been very good. I hope to go to France next Monday afternoon, for about 3 days.

All my people are drifting away on their holidays. It has to be, but it is a great nuisance when there is so much to be done.

When does Nan go to Achnacloich? William Haldane [ST: Lord Haldane's brother] came in to see me the other day. Also James Kelly, now a private in the A.S.C.

Nan's proofs are very good reading.

Much love to all

[Your ever loving?]

John