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Beaton's contract arrived this morning. Asks him to sign it and send it back. Binkie only sees the play running a year. Is glad Beaton is not going to Texas for Vogue and coming back on April 14th. Mrs Gerard D'erlager is coming in to discuss the photos. It is Oggie's birthday today.

Describes the third act of her play. Discusses the kinds of effect that could be used. Has had another hot water bottle 'catastrophe'. Describes the second catastrophe. Requests Beaton's advice about the third act.

George has asked for a description of the 'Little Lady' and 'Other Lady'. Has sent a copy to George and to Beaton. Describes the 'Little Lady'. Describes the 'Other Lady'. Asks Beaton to draw the lady.

Has spent the day at the Old Vic. Went out with David Kentish to look for furniture. Discusses the Old Vic wardrobe. Relays extended conversation between himself and Emma Selby-Walker regarding wardrobe changes. Emma Selby-Walker claims that Beaton agreed these changes and Battersby maintains that he did not. Claims that he has 'never known such a temperamental lot as they are at the Wardrobe'.

The rush of school business is over and he feels ready for the vacation. Describes activities that took place in the rush. Went East to see his parents and brother. Discusses difficulties in his brother's personal and professional life. Describes his emotions at returning home. Feels that the worst part of life is to look back at the damage one has done to other people.

Their Pippin Papers have opened and they are wonderful. They have had a brilliant ballet season artistically and financially. It has been a trial to mount these works without costumes or décor. Is quarelling with the management and thinks he will win in the long run. Balanchine was seduced by Peter Brooke and is doing the "House of Flowers" with Jean Rosenthal. Feels betrayed.

Explains to Beaton the problems they have had with the Costume Designer's Union. Apologises to him for their impetuousness. Was really happy when he said he could do the show and it is a real blow that it is now impossible. Will "bully my way back into the bosom of your friendship". Micheline thinks he is an "ass" for doing the show without Beaton.

Discusses this weekend. Was supposed to be going to Horsley this weekend but Peggy has had to go to Scotland at a moment's notice. Asks to telephone Beaton in the morning to tell him one way or the other. Is glad Beaton feels as he does about C. It is unbearable to see his oldest friend become the centre of such "obscene" publicity. Is also in despair about the house. Feels "my life has no centre & is a complete, rather squalid, failure".

Expresses relief that Beaton has approved all of the patterns. Describes the 'rumpus' over V.L.'s (Vivien Leigh's) striped dress. It has been discovered that she does not have much time to change from the yellow and white dress into her balldress. Feels uneasy about the paisely dress as 'the insufferable' James Brown does not think it will look nice. Complains about James Brown and the wardrobe team. Maud will be at the dress rehearsal on 30 January to report to Beaton about it. Discusses argument with the '"sugar mouse"' about shoulder straps. Describes his mother's encounter with the fishmonger. Suspects that Beaton is in trouble with Deborah Harker for buying all the furniture from a different place. Discusses Dali show and other artists.

Went to see the solicitor who made the following comments about the three documents sent to him for consideration: About the equity statement: Although it contains libellous words such as "virtual blackmail" or "deliberately sabotaged" he thinks Beaton would be protected of charges of libels because he is reporting a misdemeanour in the theatrical profession to Equity. As both parties have a mutual interest in this, this would constitute a "privileged occasion" or exemption. The solicitor will investigate this. Beaton might have to rephrase some sentences. Has not been able to speak to Minster, who is not in London. Sykes does not know if Minster intends to report Wolfit, but in any case he would wait until after Wolverhampton. Beaton's statement can only go forward with Minster's support in writing, and he can't see how Minster can be forced. They must know what are his intentions. About the press statement. It is "libellous in every line" and the newspapers would probably not publish it. Should be destroyed. About the personal letter. It is full of libellous statements but Beaton can't be sued as long as he writes the letter in his own hand (i.e. no third party would be involved) and marks it PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. Will send the Brighton and Wolverhampton reviews as soon as he gets them.