T. E. Lawrence to Lord Lloyd

Mount Batten

13.01.30

Dear G.L. 

I thought it over during a bad weekend of gale, in which we nearly swamped ourselves rescuing a derelict: and I have decided against. 

Lord Thomson would make great difficulties, but that is not the real reason. Actually it is a weakness of the spirit which I fear. If I went back there, I might be drawn to things again: and it is better that I keep clear. 

It is very good of you to ask me, and I would also like to have loved it. Only Arabia and book-writing are two of the things which I must not do, obviously. I hope you go, and like it. Ibn Saud has my respects as a King: [three words omitted]. He will be better - but weaker - now he tries to rule without the Akhwan. 

It will be a wonderful trip. Commend me to them both: I.S. and Faisal. They are doing a fine thing, between them.  

T.E.S.