1 Mater Emund
MabRex Please return finally to Lil. 20Nov Dear folks Only time for a very few lines, as out with
the GOC. Such nice letters from you & Mater. Gen N told me you had taken over & I left
the matter without much comment. I can see you
will be skating over thin ice for some time, & the
ice spreads right over to here too: at least I expect
there will be a distinct reflex action of any explosion
in your area ! A good deal of stuffiness in the air this
morning but Hickman whose dexterity I admire
greatly me talked the General into a
more genial mood before we left, & had we been
able to stop to lunch the panacea of all ills, every- 2 thing would have been quite rosey. As regards Winston's speech it is quite clear
to me that he took charge of his Naval Advisors, who
were either persuaded by him or who rather than express
their disagreement & retire remained silent, as al-
ways happens at Committee meetings with no one
responsible. I have been out for a long time with the
Gen' this afternoon so have no time to write more
but send my love to you both. I thought Jessie would begin spoiling you if
she got the chance, & if you give her any excuse
she will be telling you all kinds of tales about
us. Wilfried . BSpender P.S. I will try & write to Lil as soon as I have any
news to send.