T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 28

very good. I like its small size, only 3? inches across and 5 high. It will look neat. As you say, the old sailors will feel at home with it; and if you get the sing? lever model the old sailors will not be able to put her into reverse without closing the throttle. It should definitely improve the boat, and if the oil servo gear is decently made it should be proof against time and neglect. Control will become a finer art than ever, and be easy. The modification to wheel-houses and roofs will help, too. We are keeping our three Watermotoa dinghies alive here with great difficulty; and the relief when the new ones are ready will be great. I fancy the engine is that in the Ransome & rapier crune - a very stout little job, not light but easy to look after. Dinghies get an awful life, looked after by butcher-boys, and should be fool-proof. It will be good to try the fuel-dinghy idea,too. I fancy there is a good deal in it, for the stations or bases. At advanced places, like Stranraer, the 40-foot boats might find their uses, with civilian crews. I am very glad you are insisting in the hand-swinging facilities for the 200 class. They need it, for emergency use, and for first starts of the day, to save the batteries. By the way I am trying to save the "..."