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Israeli Legation going to China. The Hacohens will each pose for me tomorrow for a half hour each, to finish their portrait.

Lerner, too, is brilliant. He claims he is a happy man, has found fulfillment in his life, therefore his outlook, politically, is an optimistic one. He accused Alsop of unhappiness & pessimism. I told them the shading was too black & white whereupon we all laughed.

Lerner also said he wants to write an article about the women in Hongkong & their slit skirts which American women ought to adopt. I pointed out that it would not do. That the slit line called for a non-existant slender top line - no bust, high neck - etc. - whereas, the American woman accentuated her bust line & has hips, as well as good legs.



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He exclaimed - 'There is my next article'! - thanks to you. I will mention this conversation in it! - After David & Bracha left with the Israelis - Alsop & Lerner, Jo & Max, if you please, stayed for a night cap. Lerner remarked to Alsop - 'we had to meet in Rangoon to have a serious discussion!

Lerner, incidentally, seemed quite taken. Asked me  - 'could we see India together'? And will you show me Rangoon?

It was all charming as can be!

Joseph Alsop - an aesthetic work of art - from his patent leather pumps, to his beautifully posed hands, & well thought out gestures, his way of moving his spectacles down on his nose & looking at one over them - his modulated voice - pure theatre.