Friday, 31 December

At 11.45 a.m. I returned a visit to the Columbian Minister Dr. Alfredo Michelsen. He came to the Soviet Union for the first time and he couldn’t get used to the way of doing things here. He was discontented with how he found the embassy, he also found that the food ration was inadequate. He discussed with me whether he should temporarily live in a hotel until the end of the war, or rent another embassy. I said since he was the only one here, it was fine to live in a hotel first. Also the Belgian Ambassador did the same. He said as follows: 1) The British had contributed greatly to Columbian independence, so Columbia was particularly friendly towards it, and its business with Britain was quite prosperous. 2) The living standard of Columbia’s capital is still low, the prices are not as high as those of Britain and the United States, and also British goods are much cheaper than in London. 3) Since the reign of Roosevelt the United States has adopted an amicable policy towards neighbouring countries and countries in South America felt much better, and were making progress in economic development. 4) Expatriates in Columbia were not numerous, with the Spanish being the majority. They still retained many old customs such as they didn’t treasure wealth like the United States did and were respectful to scholars and poets.

At 3.00 p.m. the Australian Counsellor Officer visited me. He said he had met Benes and thought he was a little bit biased.

In the evening, we had a gathering for the coming New Year. I could not join in because my mother passed away and I returned to my room early. I thought of my mother and I couldn’t sleep until 2.30 in the morning.