Handwritten note which reads: "Dear Ike, your voice reached me at Riverside, Conn. a few days before we left there on Oct 29, and we thank Hennie and you for your kind wishes. We arrived at Hong Kong last week after a lengthy [...] through West Indies, Panama Canal, California, Honolulu, Manila. Calling at half a dozen places on our way. We both apologize if very much [...] found young Sidney, wife and daughter flourishing and be doing very well in the insurance[?] game. We have been entertained here and gone to parties to perch and extend that spare time has been at a minimum. I have had the pleasure of meeting several [...] new, some of whom have been here for many years either in Govt. Service or in business and I find that most of them are quite "at sea" as to [...] into developments or the outcome of [...]. I feel I could already write a book on my own impressions of of conditions in this [...] picturesque spot but will [...] to condense these herein to letter length. Business here is booming, shipping arrives and departs have [... ...] the routine of exports and imports grows larger each month until [...], after which there was a very slight [...], industries (mills, factories, etc) -- have multiplied in record fashion. Since the isolation of Shanghai, new buildings have gone up [... ...] full swing, with numerous additional ones now in course of construction. Population has more than doubled in the past ten years, now indicated at about two million, of which 90% are Chinese. Local commerce is still increasing and prospects seem like that it will continue to do so, provided nothing untoward should happen. The place is [...] of course, and there is much building of apartment homes and residences in evidence. Everyone seems busy, happy, and [...]. Now what of the outlook? No one to whom I have spoken seems to contemplate interestingly[?] the communists in the nearby [...] strong British forces being minor comfort, but it is admitted that [...] be an attempted [...] or labor riots in the Colony with which the police conceal. The thought, doubtless fathered by the wish, is that Britain and the Commonwealth Countries will reorganize[?] [...] very [...] and a number of other countries will follow suit. So that USA will be compelled to do likewise soon thereafter. For obvious reasons, as [...] people [...], hope the [...] if any, will be about, as they will be adversely affected if USA[?] for political reasons, is about to act. I have heard it formerly[?] experienced that Soviet Russia undoubtedly holds a premier position with the Communist Govt. of China, as to ideology, [...] and general close cooperation which quite accords with history. This may make the [...] [...] a completed one with dire [...] as to [...] relations and commerce, -- there being an undercurrent of doubt as to the ultimate position of this [...] in the years to come. On the other hand it is realized that the Chinese do not take the White man to their hearts, which may restrict or limit the closeness of relations with Russia. [... ...]? Now, I probably have not told you anything that you do not already know, but if there are any specific points on which you wish information, do not hesitate to tell me, and I'll try to learn the answers and send them to you. Laura joins me in best wishes to you all for the new year, and with kindest regards, I am, yours sincerely, Sidney J. Jackson. P.S. We plan to leave here about Feb 20th and our address until about April 20th will be: Buxton Lane, Riverside, Connecticut, USA."
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
