State Library of NSW
[Page 81]
Diary. May 31stWe arrived at Malta at about nine o'clock. I at once went to see Admiral Limpus but he was not in. However I saw the Flag Captain who gave me a passport to land. I went up to the Club and had a shave and a hair cut and then installed myself at the Osborne Hotel where I had left a suit of clothes and some shirts. Most of the afternoon I was busy looking for clothes and ordering other articles. But I speedily discovered there was little to be had in Malta. I also learnt there was a Massagerie Boat leaving in on the following day for Marseilles and the temptation to return grew on me irresistibably. Congreve advised me to go back as I would miss nothing and I might make myself very useful advising the authorities at home on the true state of affairs at the Dardanelles. That afternoon I received an intimation from the Governor that I was not to send any cables on the situation from Malta withought his express sanction. I knew he had therefore received some word from the General Staff who were above all else anxious that I should not return and speak the truth. This only strengthened my determination to depart. In fact that evening I had already made up my mind. I dined at the Club with Congreve and Falconer the Admiral's Flag Lieutenant who did his utmost to persuade me to return.
Tuesday June 1stI awoke in the morning with my mind quite made up to depart as I needed a rest and could get nothing I required in Malta. I telephoned through to Admiral Limpus to ask his permission and he requested me to pay him a visit which I did.
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