11th June 67

The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank
Kowloon
HongKong
11th June 67

Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,

Thank you for your two letters.  It is a bit difficult to keep up with world events.  The only reason we were concerned about the Middle East was the Canal.  I had been saying that provided no one was silly enough to sink a ship there all would be well, but this morning's paper mentioned that they had blocked it.  The probably means that the ORANSAY (to London) will have to go via the Cape (winter) and so put out the arrival dates, hotel and shop bookings.  We must wait and see.  The whole thing is irritating because a number of foolish people are packing and packers are in short supply just when we need them, but no doubt we will manage.  The riots are over for the time being but strikes are being organised in various public services by a very small minority and with intimidation.  I believe the authorities will control events and it will die down in time.  After all the majority of HongKong's population fled from China and the youngsters do not know what is like there.  They should be given a one way ticket.

We were both thrilled at Alan's news and he and Diana have our very best wishes.  I do not know if Margo will be able to attend the wedding but hope it fits in.  I am sure he owes me a letter so shall wait for him to write!

Shall send this to '65' in case mail delays occur on the M. E. route.  We will look after Carolines present and you can settle with Margo when she comes home.  Hilda's woolly can be a gift from us.  We get a bit behind on presents and they always send so much.  Glad the flowers were OK - I was late! but that week was taken up with a rush of things in the office and on top of everything else I had to prepare a lecture at short notice - so that was three evenings and a weekend.  An hours is a long time to fill up.  In the event the thing was deferred, on the day, for one more week.  It is for part of a course for trainee managers of sub branes and the subject takes up three sentences.  However, in HSBC we are experts on any subject at the drop of a hat - or so it seems.  I was on Starry Halo for Derby so no good this year.  Stock Exchange has closed again so shares are suffering.  Utilities are yealding 10% + free of tax now and anyone wanting to gamble on the situation can do so pretty cheaply.  Even bank shares could be bought under the London price to yeald 7% free of tax and London has gone up since.  This is a scrawl - my wrist is tired- I dislike holding a pen at home.  Hope to send Margo tapes by post - we will both have special machines and the cassette will fit both.

Children are well, Elisabeth is swimming more by herself without a ring.  You are going to find them all grown up and acting, when they remember, like young ladies.  Must say life is very easy with them just now as they all look after themselves.  Even go away for the weekend and have visitors.  I never know what to find on Friday night.  We generally have four girls in the house, but not all ours.

Cheerio for now and love from us all

Peter