Volume 12 Number 3 Page 1

“On Baba's arrival back from Lugano he was met by Meredith and Margaret Starr, who by their attitude seemed determined to exercise what they thought was their proprietary right over him. He left Victoria Station flanked by them both, like two policemen. The girls arrived back stunned and tired which is usual after being with Baba. The visit seems to have been one of mixed pleasure.

"The next week or so was taken up with visits to Cook's and passports, etc. Meredith and Margaret both needed clothes, trunks, bags, etc. for their trip to America, and spent a lot of time shopping. Baba paid for all this and their expenses, and also gave money to Meredith for his mother who was in need of financial help.

At length came the day to leave London — we sailed on the Bremen on May 14th. A great crowd came to see Baba off at Waterloo; and Kim, Kitty, Margaret, and Delia came down to see us off at Southampton. Poor girls, they felt the parting very keenly, as they were uncertain of future plans. They came out on the tender to the boat and bade Baba goodbye there. We were all very desolate at this farewell, but Margaret and Meredith seemed relieved. We were extremely comfortable on the Bremen, travelling second class and having lovely cabins. My cabin was near Baba's and Meredith and Margaret's some way off.

The time was spent in walking, ping pong, and the movies which we visited every afternoon, also in preparing various statements for the press — reporters at New York. We arrived in New York on a lovely day, Thursday, May 19th, and were met by a large party of people amongst whom were Princess Norina Matchabelli, Graham Phelps Stokes, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Patterson, and Malcolm and Jean Schloss, and Anita de Carlo. Malcolm and Jean were the first to greet Baba, as they came on board directly after we had docked.

"There were 48 reporters, cameramen, and photographers to be dealt with, and I was one of those deputed to cope with them. They all proved to be very polite and respectful about Baba and his mission and asked intelligent questions. A statement had been prepared by Baba and printed on board which was given to them, and this together with many comments and photos appeared in the evening papers and those next morning.

"After the various custom necessities had been finished, we all drove to the home of Mr. Stokes at 88 Grove Street. This is a lovely old house, or rather two houses in one, in one of the oldest parts of the city. The boys stayed at a hotel