We promptly left Victoria at 5.30 pm and were taken to Heathrow in the Airways car and after going through several formalities left Heathrow at 7.30 pm.

Jimmy Stratford was in attendance but he was unable to enter the Customs part of Heathrow, but we noticed that he stayed on until he actually saw us fly away and we thought it very good of him to do so because, as you know, it was on a Saturday and he must have had to wait quite a time before we got off but, anyway, there he was waving 'goodbye' to us in the distance.

I might add that we all crossed our fingers as we went up, in view of the recent accidents, but we all got off very successfully and the first sensation of flying was quite an experience and we found it affected the ears somewhat whilst ascending, but after that was quite comfortable. It seemed strange being strapped in, but one got use to that.

At 10 pm. we arrived at Shannon, Eire, and made a very good landing and had a wonderful dinner at the Shannon Airport. They really give you a terrific meal there and we appreciated it so much after not having tasted good food for so long. For instance our dinner comprised of:-
Creamed Shrimp Cocktail
Hors D'oeuvres
Chicken Soup
Fillet Steak
Peas and Potatoes
Ice Cream and Real Cream
Cheese, Coffee and Chocolate Biscuits, butter and a large pot of cream on the table, when put in coffee sugar would not go down.

Departed Shannon at midnight; travelling very comfortable but ears still affected going up and down. However, were given chewing gum chicklets to counteract this. We are now flying above the clouds and it is really beautiful to witness, especially the sun rising - the colour is most beautiful. We have had a few air pockets but they were of no consequence. We are due to arrive at Gander 11.30 am., about 11 1/2 hours from Shannon over the Atlantic - if anything happened here we might as well say 'goodbye'.

We actually arrived at 12 noon, the plane taking 12 hours to fly from Shannon. Had a very nice early breakfast on plane, of tomato juice, scrambled egg and bacon, coffee and bread, followed by a proper breakfast at Gander. This is a miserable place, being nothing else but hut encampments and seen from the air the country is a mass of small lakes, small fir trees and desolation and there are practically no communications or life to be seen from the plane. We passed over the wreck of the plane that had come down a few days previously and apparently the area is subject to fog and cloud and bad air currents and although flat is a dangerous spot for aircraft. After a very good breakfast at Gander we are off again at 2.45 pm. for NEW YORK. We are all feeling very lucky and very tired.

We arrived at La Guardia Airport at 8 pm. GMT - 3 pm. N.Y. time in a heatwave of 85 deg. Had an awful ordeal at the Customs, had to wait at least three hours owing to the congestion of planes. 14 planes seemed to have arrived together, due to the previous bad weather, which resulted in chaos as far as the Customs was concerned. We never felt so hot in out lives, especially as Newfoundland had been quite cool.

Mr. A. Deane and Mr. Guilfoyle, also Mr. Russell's niece met us, where a car waited, and we drove to the Warwick Hotel and unfortunately found a mix-up in the reservations which was eventually put in order.

On Monday, 23rd September we went to the Paramount Head Office, Times Square and saw Mr. Weltner, who introduced us to heads of departments, including Mr. Piper, Mr. Larry Flynn, Mr. Paul Ackerman, Miss Linda Saltzberger, etc., etc. I presented the fishing rod on behalf of Mr. Hutchinson for his sons, and he was more than delighted with it.

That day we attended the luncheon at the Harvard Club - a large number present including Mr. Weltner, Mr. Keogh, Mr. Roger Clements, Mr. Paul Ackerman, etc., about 20 in all. Everyone, including ourselves, made a speech, and all seemed to go satisfactorily. Saw Mr. Weltner and Mr. Larry Flynn about returning by ship, which is in hand.

Miss Linda Saltzberger and Miss Edith Talcot took us over to Radio City, which was really wonderful. We had cocktails on the 65th floor in the Rainbow Room. This place is definitely one of the wonders of the world.

That evening we had dinner at the Raleigh Rooms attached to the hotel. Mr Copping looked after us well - excellent food. As money credit was late in arriving Mr. Weltner advanced us 400 dollars between us.

On Tuesday Miss Saltzberger and Miss Rosemary took us on a shopping expedition, which we found very long and tiring, but we felt it was very good of them to help us. Certain things bought. Miss Saltzberger was wonderful in the way she assisted us all. Unfortunately that day was marred by the tropical rain and we got pretty wet not having macs. and umbrellas, which were left in London as we were told not to take them.

At 6 pm. Mr. and Mrs. Piper kindly took us to dinner at Theodore's Restaurant and then on to the Hudson Theatre to see the play STATE OF THE UNION. We did not enjoy the play owing to its very American political atmosphere.

I forgot to mention that we had lunch that day at the Big Top, a restaurant arranged like a circus. Very attractive especially to children.

After the theatre Mr. and Mrs. Piper returned to the Warwick with us and had drinks. The party finished at 1.15 am. A particularly nice couple.

Wednesday, 25th September.
Went to bank and continued shopping. Called at Paramount building and then in the afternoon went to a show called ICETIME at the Centre Theatre. Whole show was on ice. Most perfectly done and excellent entertainment. Never saw Jack Craine laugh so much at a turn about three old charwomen.

I took the evening off and the others went with Paul Ackerman to a race-track. Jack Craine's leg in bad shape with sciatica.

Thursday, 26th September
I spent morning quietly. Douglas Abbey and Jack Craine went with Paul Ackerman to see the Paramount Brooklyn Theatre in the morning. I spent rest of the day quietly, but Jack Craine too bad to move and stayed in and saw doctor.

In the evening we went to the Rodeo with Miss Linda Saltzberger and Miss Mary Butler at Madison Square Gardens. The finest show we have ever seen of its kind. We first dined at the Hampshire Hotel Restaurant which was de luxe. Marvellous food and attention and good fun.

To end up the evening we went to a night-club on 52nd Street called Leon & Eddie's, where we danced and watched the cabaret show - very good but very 'blue'.

Very sorry that Jack Craine was unable to be with us as he was feeling so bad.

Friday, 27th September
Jack Craine a bit better. All went to Office and said 'goodbye' as we were leaving for NIAGARA that evening. Did a bit of shopping as well. Larry Flynn gave us all the tickets and detailed time-table. The contents and explanatory matter was a masterpiece. After our 'goodbyes' we had a light meal at the hotel, the bill being taken care of by Paramount International. We then took a taxi and toured 5th Avenue, Central Park, Riverside Drive, Waterfront, returning to the Grand Central Station where we sat on a seat awaiting the time for the train; our luggage having already been taken care of by Mr. Guilfoyle.

Grand Central Station is super magnificent to behold and it is the kind of station you dream about and never see. As we were about to get our luggage collected so Mr. Guilfoyle arrived to see us off. Very decent of him. Our reservations - two drawing rooms - were perfect, and we arrived without incident at NIAGARA FALLS next morning.

A tourist agent contacted us on the train and for 20 dollars arranged a car which took us around the sights to be seen. It was a new and beautiful Chrysler Car which cost the driver 2,200 dollars - a really grand car. We were fortunate as regards the driver because he had spent part of his time in England during the war and he he was interested in us. On arrival at the Cave of the Mist it was necessary for all of us to completely disrobe and put on special suits which they loan you. I could not be bothered and eventually Douglas Abbey was the only one who went down below the Falls, where the spray just poured all over him, but he was back in half an hour and I don't think it was particularly exciting. Jack rested on a seat whilst in the meantime Dudley and myself went to view the Falls on the American side from above. A beautiful view with rainbows formed by the spray. We also walked to view the Horseshoe Falls which are much larger and also a magnificent sight. In due course we went by car over to the Canadian side and viewed the Falls from that side and saw Victoria Park. The view is much better from the Canadian side. There is also a suspension railway across the whirlpool, which we did not take. Eventually we returned to NIAGARA TOWN where we had a light lunch, leaving by the 2.55 pm. train to BUFFALO. Heat is terrific.

BUFFALO has a marvellous railway station, with every modern convenience for the traveller - hairdressing establishment, restaurant, cocktail bar, Ice-cream bar, Post Office, check boxes and all as clean as a whistle.

Took taxi into town for dinner as we had time before leaving for CHICAGO and it was through as American gentleman who got into the taxi that we got a marvellous meal at the Lafayette Hotel. The town is quite big and very important industrially, making radio sets and other industries. Has a 40,000 coloured population and most of the white population are of Polish descent. BUFFALO is about 20 miles from NIAGARA.

Caught train that evening at 8.10 pm. for CHICAGO and as usual had drawing room compartment and berths. Good rest that evening but unfortunately dropped my watch down back of bunk and broke glass.

Sunday, September 29.
Arrived at CHICAGO at 8.45 am. We were met by Mr. Stoll who took us to the Palmer Hotel for breakfast and washup. He is Sales Manager of Paramount in CHICAGO. He then drove us from one end of town to the other and explained everything to us and was very interesting to talk to from a business point of view.

CHICAGO is situated on Lake Michigan, and the town extends at least 15 miles along the lake and that morning there was a cold wind blowing and very rough. A big change in the weather from where we had come from, although Mr. Stoll said it had been 85 deg. the day before, CHICAGO being noted for its changeable weather. It is a fine industrial town with marvellous shops, such as Marshall Fields - magnificent departments, and hotels such as Stevens (3,000 rooms), Palmer (2,000 rooms). Edgewater Beach Residential part was very nice. There is a part in the town which they call The Loop. This is a tough town and they like 'meaty' pictures such as TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST, REAP THE WILD WIND, STORY OF DOCTOR WASSELL, etc. Mr. Stoll amused us by saying he was 'going to take us for a ride in CHICAGO'. It sounded tough but was not meant that way. He also thought nothing of going 125 miles to a football match - distances mean nothing here. He helped us in every way and saw to out luggage and breakfast at the Palmer Hotel, and what a magnificent place that is, and he eventually saw us off on the Santa Fe for the GRAND CANYON. MILWAUKEE is only 100 miles from CHICAGO and has a German population. In winter this part of the country is extremely cold.

It takes one day to cross the Michigan Lake, so you can imagine the size of it.

At last aboard the Santa Fe train. Larry Flynn fixed us up with private drawing room and two berths, on the most comfortable train I have ever travelled on. The main railways here are excellent. The food as good as any restaurant and run by coloured staff. There are lounges, washrooms, smoking rooms, cocktail lounges, etc., and it is really very comfortable. The chairs are most luxurious - arm kind.

Well, we are on the way now and left at 11 am. Sunday, September 29 and are due to arrive on Tuesday, October 1 at 8 am. at the GRAND CANYON, where we are due to stop for 12 hours, so we have two full days on the train before us.

Splendid booklets on the Canyon trip were given us by Mr. Stoll, which are very interesting as we pass through so many states. This is really a marvellous trip which takes in the whole of America. I have sent a post-card so far from each place. America is a very expensive country to live in as prices are well up and look like going higher. The salaries, I suppose, are in or out of proportion. For example, a head film operator gets 400 dollars a week, i.e., £100 per week, and yet a professor or lecturer at a University receives the same salary as pre-war. They are nearly driven to distraction and are trying to do something about it, but being non-Union have so far failed. A truck driver here earns 12,000 dollars a year. So you see who has the money. Coloured domestic servants are paid at the rate of 2 dollars and hour and are very independent in New York. There is a big meat shortage at the moment - the O.P.A. have this in hand (Office Price Administration).

Next stop is at AMARILLO in the state of Texas. We were unable to get anything alcoholic to drink from FORT MADISON on that is in the State of Missouri, or on Sunday, and KANSAS is entirely dry. These states are hugh and take hours to go through. Just passed Pampa and Humble oil wells and oil refinery. Tremendous oil wells partly owned by Texaco Oil Co. & Gulf Oil Co. Just leaving AMARILLO (TEXAS). One of the main towns in TEXAS. Splendid weather.

I must mention an incident that happened on the train here when we were about to descend to stretch our legs. Jack Craine, Abbey and Russell were talking together on the way out in the corridor, and an American gentleman and his wife were between me and Jack Craine, when the American turned round to me, apparently taking me for an American, and said "refugees, ain't they?". I might mention that Jack was speaking in a good Cockney accent. This rather amused us.

Arrived at the GRAND CANYON 6.45 am. on Tuesday, October 1. Had breakfast at the El Tovar Hotel and arranged motor drive for morning and afternoon. There were no trips down the trail on the mules as the rain had made the trail unsafe, so we did the motor trip East in the morning to the Hermit's Hut and in the afternoon to the Watch Tower on the edge of Painted Desert. I thought it was too wonderful for words - something supreme and beyond the beauty of imagination. It must be seen to be really appreciated. Jack, Dudley and Douglas suffer from vertigo and could not go near the edge. The trip, however, was not wasted as far as they were concerned as they quite enjoyed it, but I was enchanted especially as I do not mind heights.

The train remained in the station until we left at 8 pm. - every carriage being locked and it was only then that we were informed that the train schedule had been altered on that very day, October 1 and instead of arriving on Wednesday at 10.30 am. at PASADENA it arrived at 6 pm. at LOS ANGELES via Riverside and Fullerton, which are on the opposite Loop to PASADENA. Apparently the change took place from October 1 and was overlooked. At Williams the Superchief got into the station and left for LOS ANGELES within a minute.

I wired Mr. Syd Street from Williams to the Studios of the alteration. So now we have a further day on the train and miss one day's arrangements at HOLLYWOOD, which is unfortunate.

We have now been 4-days without a bath, which is too long in these conditions. We also had to sleep three in the drawing room last night which was a little stuffy.

Sent a wire from us all to Mr. G. Weltner, from the GRAND CANYON, telling him we were having a marvellous time.

Before 8 pm. we boarded the train and arrived eventually at LOS ANGELES at 6 pm. the next day, where Mr. Eddie Shellhorn and Mr. Henry Taylor met us, taking us to the PAramount Cottage for a lovely bath and clean up. How good that bath was and what a lovely room Abbey and I shared - most comfortable. Old Tom and Edith looked after us.

Mr. Luigi Luraschi greeted us in the evening. Had cocktails at the Paramount Cottage and introduced to Mr. Norman Siegel and Mr. and Mrs. Murvyn Vye (Vye appearing in GOLDEN EARRINGS).

Mr. Luraschi took us out to Romanoff's to dinner, where we were introduced to Mr. David Niven and saw several other personalities such as Louella Parsons, Herbert Marshall and a few others. Had an excellent meal and after that went on to 'Slapsie Maixie's' - a cabaret show, which was excellent, and then returned home very tired at 2 am.

It was really a wonderful sight seeing the lights of LOS ANGELES from the Beverley Hills. Looked like a hugh coloured Christmas tree and is most fascinating and beautiful to look at. Beverley Hills is laid out like the best part of the South of France, with beautiful houses, lovely flowers and gardens, palm trees, etc.

This morning, Thursday, we visited the Studios. The first set entered was that of DEAR RUTH. Introduced and chatted to William Holden, Edward Arnold, Joan Caulfield, Virginia Welles, Billy de Wolfe and Bill Russell - Director. Had photographs taken.

We then went on to another set, that of DESERT TOWN. Introduced to Mr. Allan, who is directing the picture, and had quite a long chat with Miss Lizabeth Scott, who was very delighted to see us and also remembered us all very well. We had our photographs taken, which have since seen and they have turned out very well.

Entered a further set where they were filming THE BIG HAIRCUT and met Director - Tay Garnett. A very pleasant man and looks more like a farmer than a Director. Also introduced to Alan Ladd and Dorothy Lamour - both extremely natural people, also Robert Preston. All very nice to talk to. By the way, Mr. Garnett directed THE VALLEY OF DECISION, MR. SKEFFINGTON and is obviously one of the 'ace' producers. The set was very impressive, the locale being that of a tent camp laid in the cornfields.

Then had lunch quite near at a place called Lucey's, where we were introduced to Joan Fontaine, Mr. Roland Culver, who are taking part in THE EMPEROR WALTZ. Incidentally, the feminine stars are difficult to recognize off the screen.

After an excellent lunch we went back to the Studios and were introduced to Mr. D.A. Doran (Mr. Ginsberg's production assistant on story matters). A very interesting interview and I was very impressed with him.

Had chats with Messrs. Morris Simpson, Eugene Zukor and had an interview with Mr. Y. Frank Freeman and discussed the play we saw in New York STATE OF THE UNION. The rights for filming have apparently been bought by PARAMOUNT, but we mentioned we did not consider it suitable for English audiences, and found it difficult to understand.

Unfortunately we were unable to see Mr. Ginsberg, who had kindly loaned us his car during our visit, as he had unfortunately met with an accident to his foot and also being a very busy man found it impossible to see us in the short time we were there.

We then went on to the Cecil B. DeMille set and were introduced to Mr. Cecil B. DeMille - the most modest of all big producers. He is most interesting to talk to and makes you feel quite at home. He gets right down to earth and likes to be working amongst his men and objects to being seen by the 'top' people only. He does not like ceremony at all.

Amongst the stars appearing in THE UNCONQUERED to whom we were introduced were Gary Cooper, Paulette Goddard, Howard de Silva and Henry Wilcoxon. This is going to be a tremendous production, and in addition to these stars Sir Aubrey Smith and Boris Karloff also appear in it. It is a pity we were delayed a day, because had we been there the previous day we would have seen the shooting of one of the greatest scenes of the picture on one of the biggest sets Paramount has. As it was he was filming the end of the picture, which was only in a very small part of the Studio, but it was quite interesting.

On the way out of the set we met Mr. Hal Wallis, who had a chat with us, and he mentioned he was looking forward to his new British production in the future. We also met Mr. Ray Milland in his dressing room, who remembered us well. We did not have time to see Marlene Dietrich, but saw her daughter walking from one office to another. By the way, Marlene Dietrich is appearing with Ray Milland in the film entitled GOLDEN EARRINGS, which is a gypsy story.

In the evening we went to see Earl Carroll's show, which was more or less the same as we had seen pre-war at the Casino in London, but not nearly as good.

Our stay in HOLLYWOOD was intended for three days, but we only spent two days there, and a good deal of that was marred by the fact that there was a Studio strike on. Pickets were outside all the studios, including Paramount, and there was a good deal of trouble, I believe, at Metro and Radio. It was gradually spreading towards the Paramount Studios.

I forgot to mention that during my conversation with Mr. Cecil B. DeMille he informed me that his next picture was to be SAMSON AND DELILAH, but he had not yet found his Samson, and asked me who I thought would be suitable for the part. I said I could not think of anybody better than Stewart Granger. He also mentioned that he would be delighted to come to the premiere of THE UNCONQUERED when it was eventually shown in London.

October 4.
We were all invited to lunch by Mr. Luigi Luraschi to the famous "Brown Derby".

The party included Mr. Shellhorn, Mr. Norman Siegel, Mr. Henry Taylor and we were joined later for coffee by Miss Signe Hasso.

This is certainly a wonderful restaurant and is the main rendezvous of the film stars, and proved a very memorable and enjoyable lunch.

We felt very indebted to Mr. Luigi Luraschi, Mr. Eddie Shellhorn and Mr. Henry Taylor, who gave us most marvellous attention and hospitality throughout our stay in HOLLYWOOD. We were exceptionally comfortable at the cottage and on our arrival two bottles of whiskey had been set out for us. Old Tom and Edith looked after us - they were the coloured servants - and could not do enough for us. There was a swimming pool in the garden with beautiful gardens and flowers and palm trees.

Were driven to one of the seaside resorts in the vicinity - SANTA MONICA, which was very beautiful.

Before leaving HOLLYWOOD Mr. Shellhorn and Mr. Henry Taylor took us to a restaurant called ' The Tropics', where we had dinner. It had a Hawaiian atmosphere and they turned on the rain from the roof in order to demonstrate the cooling effect that it gave. The food was excellent and, as I have already said, the restaurant had the atmosphere of ALOMA OF THE SOUTH SEAS. Bamboo was used for the building of this restaurant and the dance floor was in the open on coconut matting. This place is frequented by most of the stars.

We also visited the famous Farmers' Market before leaving, which was very attractive and also a store in HOLLYWOOD called Bullocks-Wilshire, which is one of the finest I have ever seen and there is nothing like it in London and is most exclusive, but of course very expensive.

At last it was time to leave HOLLYWOOD and we boarded 'The Lark', which was the name of the Frisco Train, and were seen off by Mr. Eddie Shellhorn and Mr. Henry Taylor. We were all very sorry to leave, our stay being far too short and their hospitality overwhelming.

The train was most comfortable, and we arrived next morning at SAN FRANCISCO. I would like to mention that the train was super de luxe. The lunch and dining car had to be seen to be believed, and it seemed to be three long carriages in one. All sound-proof with coloured florescent lighting. It was most beautiful and extremely comfortable.

We arrived at SAN FRANCISCO after a good night's rest, and were met by Mr. Derby, Chief Booker of the Paramount Office, Mr. East being away attending a conference at New York. He had engaged a most beautiful Packard car in order to escort us round and the chauffeur drove us all over 'FRISCO, OAKLAND, BERKLEY, etc. There are two wonderful bridges, the first being the SAN FRANCISCO - OAKLAND BAY BRIDGE, which is 8-miles long, for cars above and trains below, no pedestrians being allowed. It surely must be one of the greatest bridges in the world. The other being the famous GOLDEN GATE, which is also beautiful to behold. We also saw the famous and beautiful University of California, built in magnificent natural surroundings. Also saw the Golden Gate Park, with golf course, riding row, zoological gardens (with bison), aquarium, etc. and Nob Hill.

SAN FRANCISCO has a population of about 800,000 and OAKLAND and BERKLEY, across the water, with approximately another 600,000.

These American cities are all perfectly clean and have no smoke. Oil is very cheap and no coal is used. Petrol is in abundance as the oil fields are plentiful in California.

We had lunch at the Cliff House facing the Pacific, overlooking Seal Island. Unique place - good food - most pleasant surroundings, with the sun playing down on us and a fair breeze blowing to make it pleasant. The windows of the restaurant were of blue glass, so one did not suffer in any way from eye-strain. The dining room consisted of nautical pictures, and emblems, such as panels of yachts in glass, life-bouys, etc. the effect being most agreeable and novel.

The scene outside of sea and coastline was of great beauty never to be forgotten. A week could be spent here quite easily, seeing something new each day.

It was interesting to see ALCATRAZ ISLAND, and we also had a drink on the water-front at the famous Fishermens' Grotto, Fishermens Walk, renowned for sea-food.

Eventually we had to leave to catch our train for CHICAGO. Mr. Derby saw us off at the Ferry, which transported us across the bay to our train which we boarded at approximately 5.30 pm. on route for CHICAGO. A memorable visit and definitely one of the most interesting cities in CALIFORNIA. Jack Craine has a beautiful doll with an apron signed by all the famous film stars in the Studio; he is very proud of it and it is certainly a grand souvenir. The doll is one of the best I have ever seen. I understand he is to give it to Mr. Goodlatte's (of A.B.C.) daughter on his return.

This morning, October 6, we passed over the SALT LAKE and into the ROCKIES, where the weather became very cold and it soon began to snow. A bit of a change from CALIFORNIA, where it was extremely hot.

We have now left OGDEN (UTAH) and are heading for EVANSTON, WYOMING, where the engine is changed. There is still plenty of snow about.

Next big stop is CHEYENNE (Wyoming). We arrive at CHICAGO tomorrow morning at 10.15 am. and have to change stations for WASHINGTON. The food on the train is simply super and it is called 'The Steamliner, City of San 'Frisco' and is certainly some train. I am eating too much. It is difficult to refuse food when it is put in front of you. There is tons of everything and on the whole it is very well cooked, but the fish has very little taste. The portions, however, are enormous. The size of the steaks make me feel sick.

In due course we arrived on our return journey to CHICAGO, but owing to a wreck on the line we were nearly three hours late. We got our luggage across to the PENNSYLVANIA Railway Station and checked it, and then went to wash at the Palmer Hotel and had lunch out in a cafeteria. Our train to WASHINGTON, 'The Rainbow' was scheduled to leave at 6.30 pm. instead of 4.30 pm., so we had a look round the town and said 'goodbye' to Douglas Abbey who was flying from CHICAGO to his brother in Montreal.

Boarded train and had drawing room and lower berth and were due to arrive at approximately 12.15 pm. October 8 at WASHINGTON. This turned out to be one of the worst trains of the trip and was very dirty, but we should not complain. We are now three only - Douglas Abbey rejoins us in NEW YORK at the Warwick Hotel on October 11. This is the most noisy train we have ever been in and do not care for it at all. We shall be pleased to get out. They ought to call it the 'dust cart'. Of all the filthy trains we have travelled in this is the limit.

PENNSYLVANIA is the Black country of America - industrial and coal-mining. The earth is black and so is everything else. Dissapointed with our breakfast, as it was not up to the usual standard. Train was very late in arriving at WASHINGTON, and we did not get there until 1.15 pm. on the 8th October.

Miss Jean Murphy met us at the Station, a charming young lady, secretary to Mr. Denton of Paramount News. She had already engaged a car and had booked a table for lunch at the Stather Hotel but had to cancel in view of the late arrival of the train, as we only had two hours in which to see WASHINGTON before catching the 'Congressional' train to NEW YORK.

So we saw as much as we could in the time, visiting the Arlington Cemetery where most of the famous American Generals, etc., are buried, the Washington Memorial, the White House, the Unknown Soldiers Tomb, etc. WASHINGTON is laid out somewhat like Paris and is a government seat with magnificant buildings of every description, and every Embassy in the world is represented there. One part of WASHINGTON is in the State of Virginian and the other in Columbia.

At 4 pm. we caught the 'Congressional' train to NEW YORK, which does an average of 72 miles per hour. Before leaving I just had time to 'phone some personal friends.

In due course we arrived at NEW YORK, and we were met at 7.35 pm. by Mr. Paul Ackerman. It was extremely nice of him and reservations were made at the Warwick Hotel, with sitting room, which was most comfortable.

October 9 - time devoted to a call at the Office and shopping.

October 10 - devoted to shopping.

October 11 - 9.30 am. Office - viewed the film CALIFORNIA; also Larry Flynn dealt with passports and in the afternoon did further shopping. In the evening took Mr. and Mrs. Piper and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ackerman out to dinner. Douglas Abbey arrived back from Montreal after having a good time with his brother.

October 12 - It was raining a bit today and spent time with personal friends and entertained in the evening. Jack Craine has got a form of gout. As he cannot get his shoe on he is resting today. Felt so bad this morning that he did not partake of breakfast.

October 13 - Jack's foot still bad. Went to Radio City with Douglas and saw a very good show - THE JOLSON STORY. Theatre seats 6,000 but no different to our own. Dudley went to see his niece at Long Island. Evening was devoted to some personal friends and had a drive round Larchmont, Bronxville, Westchester, Riversdale, etc.

October 14 - Went to bank to close account. Had lunch at Harvard Club where Mr. Balaban, Mr. Zukor, Mr. Weltner and a number of other important people entertained us. After that returned to office to say 'goodbye' to all. Leaving for MONTREAL on the 11.15 pm. train tonight.

Arrived MONTREAL 8.25 am. Windsor Station. Changed over to Grand Central STation. Visited Cunard White Star line and ascertained berth reservations. Had breakfast in town at Murrays. Very reasonable and good. The town is half French and reminded me somewhat of an English provincial town. Things here appear to be cheaper than in NEW YORK. Bought one or two things and looked over town.

Boarded boat train at 2 pm. The food on this train was really excellent. We had roast chicken which tasted better than anything we had had in America. The apple-tart served with a cheese called Oka reminded me of Brie - excellent. All very tired and fed-up with trains. When you consider, we have now completed completed on the train and covered roughly 12,500 miles. The distance from MONTREAL to HALIFAX is 800 miles. We passed through QUEBEC en route for HALIFAX.

Arrived at HALIFAX at 7.45 am. and boarded R.M.S. AQUITANIA. We had a cabin to ourselves on B deck. She is still a troop ship and under Naval discipline. Quite comfortable in circumstances, but nothing like pre-war. Wooden bunks and I believe with, in some cabins, as many as 16 to 18 people. We are very lucky we have ours to ourselves. Ship was packed with returning G.I. brides and officials, mostly with small children. They seemed very dissatisfied with their lives in either America or Canada. The food on board is really excellent, and we were given a very nice table in the saloon next to the Captain's. Jack is very lively this morning and keeps on singing a song called 'Wings of a Swallow'. Had boat and life-belt drill this morning - all over in about ten minutes.

We have to time our getting up in the morning, as four people getting up in a small cabin with two bunks and no space, early in the morning, is apt to cause a little friction, but so far so good.

There is a cinema show this afternoon, THAT MAN SULLIVAN. The ship, by the way is dry, which comes somewhat as a surprise. I have a bottle of whiskey left, kindly supplied by Mr. Weltner when in New York. It is the last of four bottles and is serving its purpose very well. The sea so far is very smooth and the sea air is wonderful, a bit cold on deck this time of year, although we went round the deck four times this morning before breakfast, which is at 8.30 am. and is the second sitting. This is no place for staying in bed - they bring you nothing.

Received grand cable from Mr. F.E. Hutchinson, wishing us a good journey home, also one from Misses Houchin and Millis; in addition, one from Mr. Albert Deane.

We have all had a jolly good time on board, food really excellent. Fortunately we are able to walk round the decks for excercise in order to keep ourselves fit. There are plenty of attractions such as deck games, horseracing tote poles, etc. Dudley Russell seems to be able to pick the winner. Chief Steward invited us to his cabin for drinks last night, half an hour before dinner. We have an excellent table next to the Captains.

Today, October 19, ship beginning to roll a bit, but so far nothing serious. I was up at 6.30 am. this morning playing deck-quoits with Douglas Abbey. A lovely morning which changed early in the day, the sky becoming very overcast and remained so all day, the wind also changing completely, becoming very cold.

We are due at Southampton at 9 pm. on Monday but will not get ashore until the morning (Tuesday), the boat train leaving 9.30 am. for LONDON.

Arrived right on time and 'phoned Doris, who is meeting me tomorrow.

This is the end of a really grand trip. We all got on extremely well together and have something wonderful always to look back on.