Item 38 - Letter to his mother

Autograph letter signed to Mummie from Kweilin. They are still stuck due to ceaseless rain which prevents air travel. His clothes are not warm enough and it is a place of no interest, but he has enjoyed good Chinese food and went to the theatre where he enjoyed going backstage and seeing the costumes and remarkable make-up at close range. Has been taken around by a man who has lived in Shanghai and knows the area. Men are stuck there with nothing but their work, not even drink, except for rice alcohol which tastes of petrol and is mixed with fruit juice and served in teapots. Describes a visit to a Chinese restaurant. If the weather has not changed they will leave tomorrow by train. He would have seen nothing of the country if he had not come with the general as petrol is scarce. He is becoming accustomed to the poverty of China. If the war continues, England may experience the same. Feels very remote from the rest of the world. His travelling companions are very agreeable, but he would still like to get back to the fleshpots of Calcutta. On an extra sheet headed 'Later' he confirms that they will be leaving tomorrow. Though he's tried to get to factories with the camera for the Ministry of Information, the enforced stay has been frustrating. After tomorrow they travel by truck, and there may be less news from him, though he looks forward to hearing from home. He arrived in Chunking [sic] eight days ago and it seems an eternity. He hasn't found material for a book or photographs here as he did on his last trip.