Baghdad Dec 5 Darling Mother. I send you a jolly black and silver stuff for a tea gown. It's old but all the better for that. I haven't had it made up but I myself like to make these things in my own way. I suggest a silver tissue under dress and these two bits draped round you. Marte once did one for me excellently, but mine wasn't as good a bit of stuff. I do hope you'll like it. The old ones are difficult to get now. I wish it had been in time for a Xmas present.
I'm most exceedingly well and deeply interested in my job. I feel at times rather like the Creator about the middle of the week. He must have wondered what it was going to be like, as I do. I wish they would drop the idea of an Arab Amir; it tires me to think of setting up a brand new court here. But at present they are that way inclined. They may not be able to agree on the individual - that's my hope. Then we should have Sir Percy alone which would be splendid. I'm second choice for High Commissioner here, so I'm told! What would all Permanent Officials say if we suggested it? It's really just as much a female job, however, as a male, because it's mainly concerned with the handling of people individually. Your very affectionate High Commissioner Gertrude