2110-3-4-20

I return Nan's excellent dialogue J [?]

76, PORTLAND PLACE, W.1.

Terrys Lodge [ST: Wrotham Kent.]

Aug: 8: 18

My dearest wee Mother

I got a letter from you to night when I came home. I'm afraid your headache must have been very bad when you wrote it, for I am sure you wouldn't have written me such a letter if you had been yourself. I never thought you would distrust me. The stupid stories of the Select Committee were completely dealt with in the House of Commons debate. They were blunders of subordinates - the kind of thing that occurs daily in every Government department. I had a Herculean task, for I could get no assistance from the Prime Minister and had to build up a department as best I could. I insisted on sticking by various unpopular men like Masterman, and so I had the pack of journalists like Donald on my neck. I believe I did good work in spite of difficulties. I stuck by Beaverbrook, and I think I have

prevented him making many blunders, but of course he has a thousand enemies & I get a share of them. They were all very respectful to me in the House of Commons debate, and Ronald McNeill (who was Sir E. Carson's lieutenant) made the most gallant defence of everything I did. Criticism & attacks don't trouble me a straw: but your letter did.

Very many thanks for the gooseberries & the eggs. Peggy Lambton & her little boy came to see Susie to-day. Poor Susie had a disturbed day. First, two partridges came into the house & the dog ate one & the children wept for an hour. Then an enormous policeman arrived with a weeping woman. A new servant we have got, who passed as an orphan, turns out to have run away from home & to be amply provided with parents.

I have got a passport for Miss Tindal's friend.

Much love to all

[illegible]

John