Xmas Day Baghdad Belloved Father. I'm wishing you all good things and wondering what my dear family is doing today. Tomorrow I go to Najaf [Najaf, An] for a few days so I shan't write more than this scrap this week. Also no letters have rolled up from you, though I've got papers up to Nov 20. Tiresome, isn't it.
On the other hand communications of the enclosed nature succeed in arriving. If I remember rightly it refers to a paper which I signed and returned three weeks ago. Mr Dennington might perhaps write and ask them if by this time they've got it.

We have an immense dinner party tonight to all Political Officers and their wives. I propose to wear my best evening gown - a shiver.

Marie and I have arranged how we are going to put you up in our house when you come. I hope the plates and dishes from Maple may arrive before you. My dear love to Mother and I'm your very affectionate daughter Gertrude

I've been writing my best wisdom - such as it is - to Sir Arthur Hirtzel and I wonder whether he will approve or not. Anyhow there's no action to be taken till we get the peace with Turkey.