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Erie, Pa., 
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 1940.

Between Sheahan phoning St.L., St. L phoning Becker Becker wiring St. L. etc. I have just about come to the point where I don't give a damn on this British tank part job. I did get "on top of it" a little better today - we had a session in Gouldy's place this afternoon and the shop boys are pretty leery of the transmission. And I can't say I blame them. The job just isn't our type of work. St L. wants to build a sample before even bidding on quantity and I'm sure the British won't care for that. Then St. L wanted to do it on a cost-plus basis but the Company officials clamped down on that because they don't want the British looking at our books. Now Col. Earle, the Britisher, is scheduled to be here next Tuesday and I'll be in Sch'dy. It appears this just isn't a job for me for some reason. Once St. L. gets his hooks on a job, it is tough heading him off. I just hope I can steer things our way diplomatically without creating enemies. Above all I don't want to antagonize St. L because I like him and I think he has every intention of shooting square with me although he just can't seem to keep from "shooting off his face" a bit too much and in places where he shouldn't shoot at all. I was pretty sore when I got home tonight but I calmed down later. St. L even phoned me this evening to tell me about a message he had from Becker - you can't get sore at a guy when he acts that way. Had a session on the tank educational order today and I think I'm getting that in my hands the way I want it and St. L. seems to be glad to release it to me lock, stock and barrel.