1951

2

Thanks for your inquiry about my mouth trouble. I am now recovering from a seven weeks attack of ulcers on the tip of the tongue. Whether this is a recurrence of the original Vincent's Angina I picked up in Ceylon or whether it is just ulcers reflecting a stomach or psychological condition I don't know and I don't think most doctors will do much more than try the same old treatments in the hope that one of them will work. Sodium perborate had a bad effect on my lips (at least I think so) and Metaphen may have contributed to my recovery but if i did, it took a long time to do so, and hurt quite a bit. I feel inclined, next time it occurs, to retire to a monastery.

We had a visiting Admiral here to-day to look over the ruins. He knows Deke's father.

That's about all, I think.

Salaams,

Handwritten: Joe

JSL/jsl

PS I am sure someone is getting at your letters to me at the village Post Office. The envelope flaps lift without tearing and show signs that they have been lifted. We have no reason for secrecy but there is no need for unnecessary publicity. It might be worth testing your envelopes for gum efficiency when somewhat lightly sealed. (I have ruled out the possibility of one of my staff doing the dirty work - not because I think my geese are swans but on a careful place and time check I suspect the Police Sergeant, in which case it is all right so long as your letters are in your inimitable and almost illegible mss.)