Your protest against the powers that be must have been heard in higher circles. It is pretty well certain now that the blooming old lab will stop work on the first of June. That’s about two weeks from today. Then we shall begin to pack and clean up. When that is completed, which should be between the 15th and 30th of June, we will go home. We ought to be home not later than the middle of July.
None of this has been announced though most of it has been said. I hope you understand the difference; I don’t. But I believe it now. Some pretty reliable people have told me. Naturally they’re not likely to announce the thing ahead. I have confidence this time.
It is hard to be glad about it. I can’t with any sincerity go to the government and say: “Thank you so much for letting me go home 8 months after the war’s over.” It isn’t being done. It is less than a year that I’m here and many have been here two years. They’re welcome to their extra service stripes.
Like all things man meddles with, there is an end. Let us then rejoice that it is at last in sight. Discreetly, for it isn’t official yet. But it’s only two months from today! Think of it!
Next post May 19.
Letters from Sidney Friend During The Great War 