gave out to everyone that on May 27 He would die. On that date He was, of course, O.K. and He explained that on that day Leopold of Belgium had surrendered...This was what Baba meant by His death; Leopold had, He said, been a fool; not only had he lost all honour by giving in, but had got nothing out of Germany for himself in exchange. Baba said that the next two months would be very critical for the Allies; everyone would be saying the "Allies will lose" and then in August the tables will suddenly turn and the Allies will get the advantage — but it will be a close shave. In August, this is unofficial, Baba will probably go to Russia via Persia. Between July 15th and August 15th Baba will call a grand meeting of all the Mandali at Meherabad. Baba of course goes into seclusion now for two months . . . .

Baba wrote me a letter in "Chinese poetry" the other day. I replied in Chinese poetry and Baba seemed pleased with the result. It seems the Masts are being disbanded — so that phase of Baba's work is over; all save Chatti Baba and Mohammed are to go. Here Padri has gone to Meherabad for 8 days. Papa Jessawala has gone to Karwar to find a site for a centre there; we have heard that he finds it unsuitable: there is so little good water — I think he has now gone to Belgaum.

11/6/40    Today we hear Italy had declared war against Britain and France: so that's that. Padri got back from Meherabad last night and said that Baba is in complete seclusion there now, fasting too, and only Vishnu and Nilu go up once a day for mails, etc. Baba has an Atlas there and follows the news very closely. The other day He sent the following message to everyone of His Mandali: "Meherabad 10/6/40: During these 10 days of my seclusion, I shall decide definitely the length of time this war will last and exactly when it will end. Before I speak, and before peace reigns, there must be a real world war in which India will be involved . . . and places under Mohammedan rule, such as Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Egypt will also be entrapped in it, while Italy, Russia and America will play a very great active part. lf this war prolongs in the above mentioned manner, I shall speak in August 1941, in which case for a year (from August 1940/1) I shall, with certain of my male and female disciples, go to stay on the boundary of Russia and India, or on some island across the ocean. If the war does not prolong, then I shall think it over as to whether to go to the boundary or to go somewhere else. My speaking is largely connected with the world war and peace. Peace does not mean truce. Truce does not necessarily have to happen. Truce will not make me speak. Before the end of the world war comes, when peace is just on the point of appearance, I shall speak. I shall speak before permanent peace."

We all felt the above message of Baba's to be rather too vague and we don't believe the date He gives at all — so we'll see. Padri says that the messages going between Baba and Upasni Maharaj seem to be about Baba taking over Upasni Maharaj's "chatje'". They seem to be disagreeing over it in details.

Chatti Baba during the last week or so has been very restless, even waking Baba up once in the night, and throwing dust over himself constantly: he is on the hill in the old hospital, where Baba is in seclusion.

20/6/40    Baba sent us a letter the other day to say that He was leaving with a few Mandali, Pendu, Kaka, Kotwal, and Gustadji, I think, to go on tour to a far place in India; we've since heard He went to Calcutta: He said He would be back on July 5th, but now we hear He'll be back on June 24th at Meherabad. I have also been ordered by Baba to come back with Padri to Meherabad when Byramangala work is finished, i e., in about 2 weeks time. I think I am going on tour with Baba then, and not getting a job as He originally said. Anyhow I definitely hope so.