Baghdad Oct 22 Dearest Father. I have had a very bad cold. I deserved it for going out to dinner that night, but anyway I've got it. And a little fever too which makes me very miserable. However Sinbad and his wife are looking after me wonderfully.
This being so, I haven't much to tell you. I have your letter of Oct 8 and Mother's of the same date. Thank you for offering Mt Grace to Ken. I'll see what he says when he comes back and let you know.

The one thing of interest in a week spent mostly indoors was a long talk with Sir John Cadman. He brought a letter of introduction from Willie Tyrrell and told me he knew you. A very remarkable person, I thought him. He has come out to reorganize the A.P.O.C. and I fancy he is going to do it pretty thoroughly. From a hint or two he dropped I think A.T. [Wilson] is doomed to the axe. But this is only an impression and private.

Yes, the Mecca [Makkah] business is a fearful nuisance and we are going to be saddled with King Husain. He is to live at Basrah [Basrah, Al (Basra)] and sit still, taking no part in politics. You might as well expect a flea to sit still. Everyone believes - including the King with one half of his mind - that we instigated the Wahhabi attack to pay Husain out for rejecting the treaty and there is an immense amount of intrigue going on to get the Shi'ah 'ulama to denounce the Wahhabis and us. But they have received the suggestion with singular coldness. I expect that the more they believe that word from us will summon up Wahhabi legions, the less they like to risk it. After all Najaf [Najaf, An] was besieged and Karbala looted by Wahhabis 100 years ago. No one here really cares a button. They dislike Husain and they are very glad that he is turned out, but Islam won't in the long run like having the Holy Places in Wahhabi hands.

This is a very scrappy letter - next week I'll write at length. Your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.