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directors of [[underlined]] La Bakelite, [[/underlined]] says very little - blond blue eyed and about 60. [[underlined]] La Roche [[/underlined]] came in later, except for his bald head, does not show his age (60) and seems wide awake.
Mr. [[underlined]] Blaringhem, [[/underlined]] Chief engineer of [[underlined]] Mines de Bethune, [[/underlined]] about 50. makes excellent impression Excellent simple luncheon. Pleasant conversation about various matters except business including [[underlined]] Volstead Act, American [[/underlined]] politics etc. etc.
I notice [[underlined]] La Roche [[/underlined]] [[strikethrough]] and [[/strikethrough]] has rosette of Officer of Legion of Honor. - [[underlined]] Surcouf [[/underlined]] and [[underlined]] Blaringhem [[/underlined]] each have the ribbon of [[underlined]] Chevalier. [[/underlined]] So [[underlined]] Mercier and myself [[/underlined]] are the [[underlined]] two [[/underlined]] to [[underlined]] wear [[/underlined]] the [[underlined]] commanders rosette. [[/underlined]]
[[underlined]] Dec. 11 La Roche [[/underlined]] came to visit me with his son (23 years) at 8:30 A.M. The latter looks very much as his mother used to
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look about that age.  
Then at 9. A.M came [[underlined]] Surcouf [[/underlined]] for further interview Interrogated him further about situation of [[underlined]] French Bakelite [[/underlined]] assets, personel, obligatories taxes, staff, finances, earnings, contracts, Mines de Bethune etc. Very satisfactory information very [[underlined]] much better than I anticipated. [[/underlined]] Monday shall go to Bethune and inspect also [[underlined]] Bakelite [[/underlined]] plant at [[underlined]] Biebieres If that visit confirms my impressions [[/underlined]] I [[strikethrough]] shall [[/strikethrough]] see every advantage of arranging partnership.
Afternoon went to French line to pay my ticket about $290. have a double cabin all to myself on deck B, (no bath nor W.C.)
[[underlined]] December 12. [[/underlined]] ^[[(Sunday)]] Bishop's telegraph address during office hours [[strikethrough]] is [[/strikethrough]] (A.W. Bishop) is as follows: