Identity area
Reference code
Beaton/A/A4/37
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 1944 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
2 pages paper
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Autograph letter signed from Kweilin. Dated April 14th; year inferred from content. Had flown there 2 days ago after a night in Kunming where he enjoyed sightseeing while Gordon Grimsdale and Leo Handley-Derry worked at military HQ. They are now stuck due to poor weather. Staying in a bungalow which could be in Golders Green. They have called on the consul and the missionary's widow and have now exhausted the possibilities of the town. He saw most of the town with Grimsdale, head of the British force in China. They will be travelling 4-5 weeks before returning to Chunking [sic, ie Chongquing], which is a foul place, and too expensive to bring any gifts home. The war seems quite remote. There are shortages and a black market. It is cold after India. The Americans have rickshaw races in the main street. After the air trip they will travel on by truck to a place where English officers are instructing Chinese soldiers.