letters from a Father to his Children (09.08.58)

16 COLVIN ROAD
SCARSDALE, N.Y.
9th August 1958.

Our Darling Dears,

New York, 1st August: We left London in the morning. Dr. Mohd Nor was at the Victoria Air Terminal to see us off. One Che' Jamaluddin was there too to do a good turn. What happened was that I sent one suit to the dry-cleaners. It was ready on Wednesday but as I had no time to fetch it, I thought I would take delivery on Thursday afternoon, I found the shop closed. This shop was only open half-day on Thursdays. So, Che' Jamaluddin had to fetch it for me as I had to leave for the Air Port early. Good thing, he was on time; otherwise I had to get someone to take it back home and I would have been shorter by one suit.

When I got to the Air Port a BOAC official came and asked me whether I was the Chief Minister of Selangor and being told of the affirmative he assured me of a good trip. I was wondering how he came to know and again when I boarded the plane I was asked the same question by a hostess.

We were told that there was a head wind and to be safe only a certain amount of fuel was taken.

This meant making two stops instead of making a straight flight to New York and a delay of an hour. We stopped at SHANNON ISLAND in South IRELAND and NEWFOUNDLAND in CANADA. We did not realise that at the beginning that when we stopped at NEWFOUNDLAND we thought that it was New York and wondered why the Air Port was small with very little signs of any activity.


We arrived in IDLEWIND Air Port, N.Y. at 11.30pm local time which was 5 hours later than London time. Che' Sopiee was very kind to have sent a Mr. Lim from his office to meet me with his office car -- a big, streamlined CADILLAC with a chauffer. He could not meet us himself as he was out with Mr. Ong Yoke Lin. We were given priority by the Immigration officials and unfortunately, although the Customs Officials would not check our baggage we were delayed for about half an hour as one of our bags was missing. It seems that it was not removed from the plane. (Oh yes, I forgot to mention that amongst the passengers were the AUSTRALIAN team to the Empire Games). We found later that Che' Sopiee was responsible for the privileges accorded us.


We reached Che' Sopiee's house late but he was still up as he too just returned from the City. His wife also stayed up and served us "laksa". We enjoyed it as we were quite hungry. Che' Sopiee's house is about 20 minutes out of New York City. It is situated in a good residential area.




Saturday, 2nd August: We went out marketing with Che' Sopiee's children - Nordin and Norina - at a SUPER-MARKET quite close to Che' Sopiee's house. A super market is where almost everything for the kitchen is available. One takes a trolley and pushes it around picking up anything one needs. After one has picked what one requires, one proceeds to the Cashier who works out the whole bill. This is a very interesting feature with a housewife in America - efficient and convenient.

Che' Sopiee gave a sateh party this evening with Mr. Ong Yoke Lin as the honoured guest. We met quite a number of Officials of Foreign Diplomatic Services in New York. It was a very successful party and everybody enjoyed the sateh. I was considered an honoured guest too!


Sunday, 3rd August: A friend of Che' Sopiee's who owns a speed-boat took us and Mr. Ong Yoke Lin for a sea trip. This friend of Che' Sopiee is a rich Jew. He took us round MANHATTAN Island - on this island is situated New York City - seeing the lovely sights of the City. As the boat got into the Harbour Area we saw the Statue of Liberty and on the right, the magnificent sight of the skyscrapers of the Financial Section of the City on the sky-line. We all enjoyed the trip, which took the whole day.



Monday, 4th August: The first day we went out into the city. We were walking down to the Railway Station when an old man driving a big car stopped and offered us a lift. Of course, we didn't refuse the good offer - good thing too as we just managed to catch the next train. It was a 45 minute trip by train and we stopped at the GREAT CENTRAL TERMINUS.

We walked and without realising it we got to the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING which was on 34th Street 5th Avenue. In New York City, streets, except for a few, are known by numbers. This makes it relatively easier to trace the streets and Avenues. This building is 102 floors above the ground and is 1472 feet high. From the Observatory the magnificent view of New York City can be seen. We stayed up there for about 2 hours. The means of going up and down this tall Building are by lifts -- the Americans refer to them as elavators.

We roamed the streets again. I personally felt rather "pressed in" while in the streets. This was the feeling resulting from the sight of tall skyscrapers which made one to imagine that all the streets were narrow and crowded. One thing we found was that the Americans, generally speaking, were more friendly than the English. The standard and also cost of living were very high. There were cars -- big ones at that -- everywhere and people drived fast here.




Tuesday, 5th August: Today Che' Sopiee personally took us out with his car - a MERCEDES BENZ. He first took to the UNITED NATIONS Buildings - the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Hall, and the Economic and Social Council Hall. The feature of the last Hall was that part of the ceiling was not completed. The significance was that there was a great deal yet to be done in the World in the direction of economic and social progress. In other words, progress in this line was still incomplete!


We had lunch in the United Nations Restaurant. it was interesting to realise that there were quite a few people eating there who could make or mar the world.


We then went to Che' Sopiee's Office and while he was doing some work we went through Malayan Newspapers. Later we went to CHINA TOWN of New York. There was a big Chinese population there, with many Chinese Sundry Shops and Restaurant. We had dinner in a Chinese Restaurant before going home.


Wednesday, 6th August: Again, we went out in Che' Sopiee's car - this time Che' Sopiee's wife and children came along too. It was our intention to see Television Live Shows. The first was to begin at 11.30 am and the door would close at 11.20 am. We were a bit late and it was quite an exciting moment for the children. We were doubtful if we could make it. I have, by 11.20 am, resigned to the idea that we would miss the show. We were confronted with red lights at every junction.


We were fortunate in being able to be just in time. The programme on was entitled "DOTTO". It was a quiz show with members of the public taking part. The prize offered was big and the winner this morning was a young lawyer who won $1600 (American). This couple could, if they wanted to, carry on in future programme to increase their winnings provided, of course, they could give the correct answer. One American dollar is equivalent to mr $3/-.

After lunch we went to see another TV show. This program was called, "Who Do You Trust?" The competitors here were in pairs - normally husband and wife. When a question was put one member of the pair - normally the man - would either say, "I trust myself" and answer the question himself or say, "I trust my wife" and would allow his wife to answer. The idea is that the person stronger in a particular subject should be made to answer on that subject. Here again big cash prizes were awarded.

We were supposed to go to another T.V. Show but as we were rather tired we decided to return home and even had dinner at home.


Thursday, 7th August: We went this morning, with Che' Sopiee's wife - Che' Zainab - to the Radio City where groups of visitors were taken round to be explained the workings of Radio Broadcasting System. It was very instructive and educational. One of the most interesting



was the demonstration of making sound effects - the sound of a train starting to move, soldiers on parade ground and so forth. It needed ingenuity for these. For instance, the sound of soldiers "turning right" was made by small pieces of square wood tied loosely to a plank, dropped and raised in correct time. The sound of egg being fried was made by the rustling of oil paper!

From there we went again for lunch at the United Nations Restaurant. This lunch was given by a Mr. MITRA a member of the Indian Permanent Delegation to the United Nations. It was originally arranged to be at his house but because of the sudden convening of the SECURITY COUNCIL this afternoon, the plan had to be changed. It was very interesting today. Many leaders of various delegations had lunch here today. In front of me I could see Mr. ALI SASTRODJOJO (I hope I have spelt it correctly) the leader of the Indonesian Delegation. Behind me was SIR LESLIE MONROE of New Zealand, the President of the U.N.O. A bit to my right was the wife of GHANA's AMBASSADOR to U.S.A. entertaining some lady guests. I might explain, at this juncture, that this restaurant was reserved for U.N. Delegates and their guests only, until after 2.30pm or so when it would be open to the public.

The lunch was very nice and before going into the Security Council Hall we crowded in the Lounge. Che' Sopiee introduced us to Ali Sastrodjojo - a very nice old man. We then went in to listen to the debate of the Security Council.



When I listened to the debate I was wondering if every Country was really sincere about maintaining peace in the world. The Russian delegate attacked the U.S.A and the U.K. Governments for sending troops to Lebanon and Jordan respectively. It was then necesarry for these two Governments to defend themselves. The Council eventually decided to call an Emergency meeting of the General Assembly tomorrow.

We later went to a CINERAMA show. This was something new and were shown only in New York, Tokyo and London. When we watched the film we felt we were in the midst of the activities. I believe three projectors were used - one in the middle and two on the sides - giving a curved in impression of the stage. The sound effects were very realistic and the film was in colour. The film shown was "South Seas Adventure" depicting scenic beauty spots in Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia. This was very useful to us as we would have an idea of what to expect.

I nearly forgot to mention that we met Dr. Ismail our Ambassador this morning. He came down for the meeting of U.N. Security Council. He was nice to us.

Friday, 8th August: We went rather late this morning and had an early lunch. We went for a bit of shopping and went to Che' Sopiee's Office to go to watch the Emergency Meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. We considered ourselves very fortunate to be able to do this. We sat in a special row just behind the Delegates and in front of the Press.


The meeting however was a short one and adjourned for a full discussion of the situation in the Middle East to Wednesday.

We sent Dr. Ismail to the Air Port to return to Washington and after dinner we went to see the play, "MY FAIR LADY". Here again we considered ourselves very lucky as it was not easy - in fact nearly impossible - to obtain tickets. We managed to get tickets through an influential friend of Che' Sopiee's. I think I did mention in my earlier letter that I tried to get tickets for the play in London and I was told the soonest date was early next year when some tickets would be available. Of course, the New York casts were not the original - they are now in London - but the performance was excellent. I believe that you know this play is based on Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion." An American told me a joke about this play. There was an old lady who had two big wishes. One was to see the President of America and the other was to see "My Fair Lady". She got her first wish but not the latter!

This play was performed in a Theatre on the BROADWAY which was the main street on which entertainment theatres are situated. It's lovely at night with all the lights. As I said earlier it was brighter than PICCADILY CIRCUS in London.

Saturday, 9th August: Being our last day in New York we went out for a final shopping. We went to two big



Department Stores, "MACY' and "GIMBELS". Speaking about shopping reminds me to tell you that many shops are run by Jews in N.Y. They number 2 millions here. They are very smart in business. As a matter of fact they are very unscrupulous. I am even inclined to think they cheat. Their main trick is to have a sale selling at so-called reduced prices. In actual fact the prices are not reduced but even higher than their normal prices. One of their tricks is to advertise that they are closing down.

I will tell you what happened to us one day. We went into a shop and got to admiring a silver coffee set. It was marked at $1600/-. When one of the salesman asked me to buy it I naturally said that I couldn't afford it. He then took a set - definitely did not look as good as the other - and offered me to buy it at $600/- while the price marked was $1200/-. The salesman started to explain that the shop was in a desperate position as there was a claim on the shop for a payment of $4500/- on a certain date. He showed a telegram demanding payment. Of course, this telegram was sent by themselves to convince that in their desperation they would reduce prices to the lowest. This was just a snare. The actual price might have been even less than $600/-! These Jews' shops are even inclined to play in the total of our bills!!

It was shocking! One has to be very careful with them.

Well; how are you all getting on? We are indeed counting the days when we will be together again. Yes; 26 days more.

Heaps of love and kisses to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong. Sembah salam to Tah and salam to the others.

Ever Your Loving

Mak and Bapak.

P.S. More photos

P.P.S No time to post this letter in N.Y. Posting in Vancouver.

letters from a Father to his Children (01.08.58)

73 LEXHAM GARDENS
LONDON, W. 8


1st August, 1958


Our Dear Darling Children,


Wednesday, 23rd July: We had nothing particular to do except in the evening when Che' Mohd. Din and Che' Hawa picked us up to go to Tunku Ja'afars flat for dinner. We ate and went on yarning till it was rather late.


Thursday, 24th. July: Bapak went out alone in the morning to sort out a few things and went back to have early lunch. Che' Mohd. Din and Che' Hawa picked us up to go to PARLIAMENT. From 3 to 4.30 pm we were in the HOUSE OF LORDS listening to the debate on the new Constitution for the State of Singapore. We listened to the EARL OF PERTH introducing the second reading of the Bill and also to LORD OGMORE (who was a lawyer in Penang before, when he was still Mr. Rees Williams) and LORD MILVERTON. We were sitting in the Commonwealth Gallery. At 4.30 pm we moved on to the HOUSE OF COMMONS. Very few Members were present as the house was in a Committee stage and they were discussing Votes for Education in Scotland. Miss HERBISON spoke, if I may say so, very well with a Scot's accent.

Che' Din then took us for a drive to REGENT'S PARK where people go boating and yatching. Later we went to have dinner in a very nice place, "PERERA SINGAPORE

RESTAURANT". We had "sambal udang" here.

Friday, 25th July: We went to see the CHANGING OF THE HORSE GUARDS. We could see the proceedings but as we got there only about half an hour before the parade I could not get a vantage point to take any photographs. We did a bit of shopping later.

Being a Friday the shops were very crowded. People came out today as many of them would go out on Saturday and Sunday during Summer. People rushed about. We could not quite understand it. They rushed about as if the sky was falling. They rushed to catch their buses or tubes as if missing one for a few minutes meant their downfall! This is, I believe, due to their own philosophy of life!!

We went round to "HARRODS". This store or shop is known to Malays here as "KEDAI QUEEN", as this is a favourite shopping store for the Queen. It is a big shop and expensive too.

Saturday, 26th July: We left London for BRIGHTON a sea-side resort at 9 o'clock in Che' Mohd Din's car. Brighton is 50 miles from London. The day wasn't too bad though a bit cold. About 7 miles before we got to Brighton we stopped at a LAY-BY at about 11.30 for our lunch on the road-side. A lay-by is a place where vehicles can stop. These are provided at intervals of one to two miles. No vehicle can stop on the road for any length of time

except at a lay-by.

We enjoyed the "nasi lemak" and "sambal bilis" very much. We proceeded to Brighton. It was rather cold and very windy. We went on a short trip on an electric train along one part of the beach.

Brighton is like any other sea-side town in Britain. It has got its public swimming pools, children's playground and other attractions for summer holiday-makers. There were very few people swimming in the open sea as it was very choppy and cold. We returned at 4pm arriving in London at 6pm.

We rested a bit when Raja Redzuan and his wife called. We talked for an hour and took them for dinner at NEW ASIA RESTAURANT our regular eating shop. This restaurant has three Muslim waiters. They are very fond of us and always greet us with ASSALAMUALAIKUM!

Sunday 27th July: We did not go out as were expecting Pa' Shairi this morning. I was writing a few letters and it was getting late we nearly gave up hope. However, nearing noon, he turned up. He wasn't changed in appearance and he looked fit. We yarned until lunch time and we took him to PERERA SINGAPORE RESTAURANT. We had a good lunch and we returned to our Hotel and continued to talk and talk about old times and home. Pa' Shairi would be returning Home soon

and he proposed to spring you a surprise.

We went out together at 6pm - he, to go back to SANDHURST and Mak & I to go to a friends' (Che' AHMAD ZAINAL) house for dinner. We all went together part of the way by tube until Pa' Shairi stopped at WATERLOO to take a train to Sandhurst. We carried on to CLAPHAM SOUTH, Che' Ahmad Zainal is the son of Che' Yusof, Malayan Chief Scout and his wife is the daughter of Syed Kadir ex-Menteri Besar, Johore. Che' Yusof Zainal and his Swiss wife were with us too.

We left the place rather early as we would be leaving for Oxford early tomorrow but as luck would have it we did not reach home until midnight. What happened was we took a wrong tube when we changed at CHARING CROSS. Instead of taking the District Line we took the Circle Line which went in circle without touching at EARL'S COURT. We passed the same Stations before Earl's Court except that it did not pass Earl's Court. After we have missed Earl's Court by a few stations we came down and worked out how to correct our mistake. It appeared that we could not do anything but to go to Circle Line again and changed very much later to PICCADILY Line. It was indeed a case of "Man proposes and God disposes".

Monday, 28th July: We left for Oxford by coach and arrived there at about 12.30pm and went on straight to lunch at RITZ Restaurant which I used to frequent when I was there. We had a very poor lunch. The meat was so tough that I left most of it. We then went to my old landlady's house. We received a nice welcome from both Mr. and Mrs. Chaffin as they were expecting us. They took us round the house, particularly to show Mak the room I was living in before. We then talked of old things and it was quite late in the afternoon before we went to see the City, and some Colleges. I took Mak to see MAGDALEN (pronounced MAUDLIN) COLLEGE where there also a deer park. I took her round to the Colonial Service Club (now named Commonwealth Service Club) where I lived for a few months before I moved to the Chaffins'. After showing a few more places we returned for dinner.

Mrs. Chaffin prepared a special dinner for us. After dinner we went on yarning until it was a bit late. Mr. & Mrs. Chaffin were very happy. They were very kind to us and they liked Mak very much. We talked quite a bit about you all and showed our group photograph to them. Mrs. Chaffin wanted to see partitcularly Adek's photograph because Mrs. Chaffin remembered the story I told her about Adek disclaiming me from being her father when I came back from England before.

We slept in the room downstairs as Mrs. Chaffin

has let the room I was living in before to a tenant. Otherwise she wanted Mak and I to sleep in my former room!

Tuesday 29th July: We went out late after breakfast to the city. I took Mak to my old College and took a photograph of her there. I took her also to CHRIST CHURCH, the biggest College in Oxford. After going round a bit we went back for lunch and left for London by the 4 o'clock coach.

Wednesday, 30th July: We went out to sort out the arrangements to go to New York. It was a tiring day looking for QANTAS Office. I walked and because I thought Mak could not last it, I left her at HYDE PARK. That was fortunate. It was a hard morning. I was trying to make arrangements to delay by a day or two our departure but I did not succeed as every plane for the next week was fully booked.

In the evening we went for a "meehoon" food at the flat of Che' Rahman Jalal. He and his wife Che 'Aishah were very kind to us.

Tuesday, 31st July: We went to Thomas Cook & Son in the morning to get our Traveller's Cheques. We also went to a News Theatre after which we had lunch at MARBLE ARCH Restaurant. There was a news "shot" showing the EMPIRE GAMES at Cardiff and although we tried to spot out our Malayan Team in the parade we could not do so.

Later in the afternoon Che' Din and Che' Hawa took us to go to KEW GARDENS. The weather was very fine and we enjoyed our trip there. After dinner we had out final packing as we would be leaving for New York

early tomorrow morning. We felt rather excited because we would be on the move again coupled with the idea that we would be on our way home to you all.

Oh, yes, we too are counting the days when we would be together again. Pray for our safe journey home.

God bless you all and heaps & heaps of love and kisses from us to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong.

Yours ever lovingly,

Mak and Bapak.

PS. Some more photos herewith.

I have no time to post this letter in London but will do so in New York.

letters from a Father to his Children (27.7.58)

73 LEXHAM GARDENS
LONDON, W.8
23rd July 1958

Our Darling Dears,


Friday 18th July: You might notice that our last letter dated 19th July ended rather abruptly. That was because I had to catch the mail. I would like to explain, at this juncture, generally about ourselves. As you know we are now living in ALEXA HOTEL. Except for breakfast we are not served any meals here. From here to get to the centre of London - that is TRAFALGAR SQUARE, PICCADALY CIRCUS or MARBLE ARCH - we would either go by TUBE (Underground train) or Bus. The tube station is about 10 minutes walk (here distances are described by time) from the Hotel. It's EARL'S COURT STATION. The tube gets to the Centre between 10 and 15 minutes. The bus stop is nearer. While travelling by tube is more efficient in that it will not get involved in traffic jam as the bus does, we cannot see the sights in the City.

LONDON is an industrial city and is therefore dusty and black. There is however something intriguing about it.

We did not go anywhere this morning but went out to lunch with a friend, a Mr. TONY PYE, at the ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB on the MALL (pronounced MELL). The lunch ended rather late and we went back to the Hotel and did not go out again until later when




we went to see a play - a musical comedy - at PALACE THEATRE with NORMAN WISDON in "WHERE"S CHARLEY". It was a grand show. Norman was so funny and there were beautiful songs and dances. We both enjoyed it so much. This play is based on the book, "CHARLEY'S AUNT".

Saturday, 19th July: We had an early lunch and went to see London's Festival Ballet at the ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL. Again this was a very good show and we enjoyed the programme very much which included "LES SYLPHIDES", "THE NUTCRACKER SUITE", "BOLERO 1830" and "GRADUATION BALL". The great PRIMA BALLERINA was ALICIA MARKOVA. We were feeling very tired and returned straight to the Hotel.

Sunday, 20th July: We went in Che' Mohd. Din's car to Che' Wan Baharuddin's house. Che' Wan Baharuddin is the Students Laison Officer and he lives with a Mr. Carey at a place about 35 miles out of London. The house actually belongs to Mr. Carey who was, before the Ministerial system was introduced, the Member of Works in KL. We spent the whole morning and afternoon with them. The house had a lovely garden full of roses. Che' Wan Baharuddin and Che' Hawa prepared a very nice lunch for us.

From there we went straight back to Che Murad's house in London. Che' Murad's wife, her name is HAPIPAH, claimed to be related to us as she originated from Senggang. We were served with "meehoon". That was an enjoyable




evening. We returned to the Hotel rather late.

Monday, 21st. July: We visited St. Paul's Cathedral in the afternoon. I believe that we have seen too many Churches that, although St. Paul's is said to be the best Church in the World, we lost some interest in it. We, however, went down the Crypt where tombs of famous men including Wellington and Nelson were.

Tuesday, 22nd. July: We went out to sort out a few arrangements regarding our visit to America. In the evening we went to Che' Yusof's flat at CLAPHAM SOUTH. It's quite a decent compact flat. We had our dinner there and served with Swiss food. I told you earlier that Che' Yusof has married a Swiss girl. We returned to the Hotel rather late.

We are now looking forward to our return journey as we missed you all more and more. We are relieved of anxiety as we are getting more and more letters from you all. You can write to London provided your last letter is posted on 27th July.

How is everybody? 5th September will approach soon. Lots of love and kisses from us to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong. Salam to all the rest.

Yours lovingly,
Mak and Bapak.

(Bye! Bye!!! Mak)

P.S. Some more pictures herewith.

letters from a Father to his Children (19.7.58)

Alexa Hotel,
73 Lexham Gardens,
London, W. 8
19th July 1958.

Our Dear Darlings,

London, Saturday 12th July: We went out to cash a cheque but I forgot the cheque book! So after walking about at PICADDILY CIRCUS (Circus is a big roundabout) we decided to go to MARBLE ARCH by tube. When we got into the tube station we met a friend from Kuala Lumpur, a Che' Junid, who is doing a Course in England. We were very happy to meet each other and I got addresses of a few friends from him. We purposely missed our trains to just go on talking.

While on the subject of friends, it reminds me of an incident. When we got out of Earl's Court Tube Station two young boys (about Ajid's age, I believe) smiled and spoke to us. We didn't know the language. After they spoke to us a few times I said, in English, that I couldn't understand them. So they spoke in English and apologised and said that they were Burmese and thought that we were from Burma too. They looked embarrassed but we put them at ease and carried on talking to them. It seems they were schooling in England.

Reverting to my meeting Che' Junid, we parted and decided to see each other again as soon as possible.

In the evening we went to see the picture, "Around the World in 80 Days". Of course, I hope to do it in 92 days. David Niven visited PARIS, SPAIN (by accident rather than planned), MARSEILLES, INDIA, SIAM, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK. You will notice that we shall be visiting more places. It was a very entertaining film and we enjoyed it very much. We saw this at a theatre called "ASTORIA". It's one of those expensive picture houses. We sat at second dearest seats and they cost 12/6 each - worth it though. This picture has been running for more than one year.

Sunday, 13th July: We spent the whole day at Raja Redzuan's flat. We had a very nice lunch there. It was very nice of him and his wife to have invited us and it was the first real Malay food that we have enjoyed since we left home.

Monday, 14th July: We went to MADAM TUSSAUD'S EXHIBITION in the morning. It was very interesting. This Exhibition contains Portrait Models of most great men and women. These models are so real and lifelike. There is also the Chamber of Horrors depicting old and primitive forms of punishment and also models of dangerous criminals. There is also an Entertainment Hall where many game stalls are available. Those "contortion mirrors" are very funny. I went to a machine which was supposed to


answer some questions - such questions as, "Will I Marry?", "Will I Remain An Old Maid?" and so forth. There was one question which I asked, "How Is My Health". The answer came out, "You Should Know That Yourself". What an obvious answer!

When we left the Exhibition we met the Chinese Couple whom we first met at ATHENS. Remember the Chinese lady who was in the group photographed with Mak? What a small world!

In the evening, we went to a Cocktail Party by Tunku Ya'acob the High Commissioner for the Federation in UK. We went quite a number of old friends and acquaintances there. The Party was given in honour of Mr. Ong Yoke Lin our Minister For Labour. We met General Brooke there and he was telling Tunku Jaafar's wife that he used to enjoy a lot going to our party in KL where we give nice "sateh". We also met Sir David Watherston, Dr. Sodhy of the KL Municipality, Judge Adams and his wife and Mr. Shaw an old Headmaster of V.I.

Tuesday, 15th July: We had nothing particular to do in the morning until we went out to lunch given by Mr. and Mrs. Philips, Controller of the Commonwealth Division of the British Council at CONNAUGHT HOTEL. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas representative of the British Council of Malaya was there too. We went out later in the evening and after dinner we went to TATLER NEWS THEATRE.


Wednesday, 16th July: We went to the TOWER OF LONDON. It was a very wet morning. It rained and rained. We visited the Tower where old heraldic armours, weapons of war etc were exhibited. We then lined up for 45 minutes to see the CROWN JEWELS. Those were lovely and their value is inculculable. As it was a miserable day, we went back after lunch and did not go out at all until dinner time.

Thursday, 17th July: A lovely morning. I went out into Town for a while before getting ready to to to BUCKINGHAM PALACE. When I returned to the Hotel I asked Mak if she had taken out my Malay suit from the suit-case. She said "no", as the suit-case was very heavy. I took down the bag from the top of the cupboard. To our horror we found that the dress was not there. We nearly went panic! That was at eleven o'clock and we had to be at MALAYA HOUSE at 2 o'clock. We had no lunch yet. I nearly lost my head - oh, God! What have I done! It struck me to get in touch of a friend and I thought of Che' Mohd. Din (Che' Hawa's husband) but I didn't know his telephone number. I rang up MALAYA HOUSE to get his number but no one knew. I then asked to be connected to Syed Ja'afar Albar who was there as Information Officer (he was UMNO Publicity Chief before). I told him of my plight. He then said that he had a friend

in front of him, one Che Din from Kedah, who might have a spare suit. He, fortunately, had one suit to spare. That was a relief but I still wasn't sure whether the dress would suit me. Anyway, I thought that a suit was better than no suit. Mother got ready and we went to Town to Mr. Ong Yoke Lin's room (Minister of Labour who was in London then) to change. We had no time to have lunch and had only coffee and sandwiches at a SNACK BAR. Oh, what a depressed feeling we had.

When I went to Mr. Yoke Lin's room, I met the owner of the dress whom I happened to know quite well. I put on the dress and it did fit me so well that it was as good as my own! Indeed I was very happy. So I was in black dress. Of course, I had my cap and my own "sampin". I still wonder how I left my black suit at home. We all then gathered at MALAYA HOUSE - about 14 of us- and left for the Palace at about 2.30pm. We had to go early to avoid traffic jam. You should realise that 7000 people were invited to the Garden Party!

When we got to the Palace we were ushered to the Gardens of the Palace - a very nice garden with a few ponds. Of course, to the Europeans it was an occasion for the ladies to show off their fashionable dresses. People strolled about in the Garden before tea was served. There were three marquees for tea - one

was the ROYAL ENCLOSURE, another one was for members of the Diplomatic Corps and the third one was meant for the others. We first had tea at the third marquee to join our friends but at about 5 o' clock we were ushered to the ROYAL ENCLOSURE as we were to be presented. We went there with Tunku Ya'acob our High Commissioner, his wife Tunku Maimunah and Mr. Ong Yoke Lin. We had tea again there. In this enclosure we saw Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Anthony Eden and Lord and Lady Mountbatten. Queen Mother (oh yes, I nearly forgot to tell you that the Queen was not present as she was ill. Rather disappointing) and the Duke of Edinburgh were having tea in the same enclosure and were chatting with some of their friends about 20 feet away from us. Lady Mountbatten came up to Mak and myself, shook our hands and asked us if we had had tea. She looked rather older than Lord Mountbatten.

Then came the presentation. I must explain that only V.V.I.Ps were at the Royal Enclosure including those to be presented. Before us were those from Canada and Pakistan and then came our turn. First Tunku Ya'acob and Tunku Maimunah and then followed by Mr. Yoke Lin. Then it was out turn - our exciting moment. We felt rather nervous. Imagine about 7000 pairs of eyes were watching us. You see; the Queen Mother

and the Duke were under a cover waiting for us. All present were looking on - some sitting on chairs and many standing in a sort of horse-shoe formation - and away from us at about 100 feet at the nearest point. I am sure many looked with envious eyes. We stepped up. Our High Commissioner then presented me to Queen Mother and then the Duke as "Prime Minister of Selangor". We shook hands. Then Mak curtsied to Queen Mother and shook hand. The Duke conversed with me. He started off when introduced by saying "Oh, yes; I have been to your State. How is it getting on after independence?" I assured him that we getting on quite well. We then spoke generally and he ended up by assuring our Government of assistance from the British Government. Mak was with Queen Mother who looked youngish despite her age. She was very charming. She asked Mak how she liked England. Mak said that she liked it and that the weather was kind so far and that this day was fine. She asked Mak how the weather was like in Malaya. Then we withdrew after Mak and I shook hands again with Queen Mother and the Duke. We went back to meet our friends and they were very happy and some of them said that Mak curtsied very well indeed! Oh, yes; Mak was in her darkish red "baju benang emas". She looked attractive in that dress and she was wearing a pair of dark red shoes matching with her bag. We bought these in London. I was in all black. While we were a bit disappointed to

miss the Queen (she had been ill for the last few days) we were very happy as Queen Mother was a very good substitute.

After this Party we went to have dinner at Che' Mohd Din's place. He has rented a flat and Che' Hawa cooked herself. We enjoyed the Malay food very much.

We shall be writing again soon. Until then heaps of love and kisses to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong. Sembah salam to Tah and salam to others.

Yours Ever

Mak and Bapak

PS. We have received letters from Yong, Nah and Ajid.