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February 27, 1918 - Another routine day

Don Martin diary entry for Wednesday, February 27, 1918: Finished the day helping “Save the King” in the grill room downstairs. Was with Brownell who is more or less a “nut” and a Miss Simmons of Shanghai. Was at the office part of the afternoon and evening. Wrote a long story about King George and his hobbies for mailing to N.Y. Met Parkinson of the A.P. in the afternoon and went with him to the Press Bureau to see how it works. The newspaper gathering business here is much the same as in the U.S.  Had dinner at the Savoy. Got letter from Jennings in N.Y. saying the London news is the best he has ever read. Sounds good but guess he had a brainstorm.
Submarine report shows 14 big ships sunk this last week.

Weather pleasant but showery.

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