Baghdad Sunday Ap. 10 Dearest Mother. I'm leaving it to Father to describe our experiences which I'm sure he'll do at length. You'll understand I haven't very much time. This is only a word to tell you that it's wonderful having him. He is extremely well and brisk and I think he's enjoying himself. It's most interesting to see him sizing up our problems and he happens to have arrived at a very crucial time. I think we're on the edge of a pretty considerable Arab nationalist demonstration with which I'm a good deal in sympathy. It will however force our hand and we shall have to see whether it will leave us with enough hold to carry on here. It's a point on which no one can be certain.
But what I do feel pretty sure of is that if we leave this country to go to the dogs it will mean that we shall have to reconsider our whole position in Asia. If Mesopotamia goes Persia goes inevitably, and then India. And the place which we leave empty will be occupied by seven devils a good deal worse than any which existed before we came.

With these few words I remain your affectionate daughter Gertrude