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July 18 Tuesday. There are still honest men around. This afternoon, Elly Hermans was here [strikethrough] with me [/strikethrough], somebody rang [strikethrough] on my door, [/strikethrough] the doorbell, I opened and a soldier stood before the door. After some explanations he turned out to be George Gyetvay, your cousin, whom we saw last in 1933, [strikethrough] on occasion of the [/strikethrough] at the Jamboree. His peacetime work in forestry (conservation,) now he is doing his military service. His way of thinking is all right and we understand each other quite well. Second all probabilities he will stay at Bp. until December and hopes(!) to see me weekly.
July 19. Wednesday.
The southern flank of the eastern frontline seems to be [strikethrough] moving towards us [/strikethrough] nearing and the decisive fights in Normandy seem to be over. This summer is after all an eventful one. [strikethrough] space in time. Since days agreably cool. [/strikethrough]
Afternoon. I have my pen at last, it is repaired, has a new [strikethrough] rubbersack inside [/strikethrough] rubberbox and [strikethrough] will hold out [/strikethrough] should last
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for two years, [strikethrough] allegedly. [/strikethrough]
Events seem to follow quickly. Leghorn and Ancona are mentioned to be in the foreground today I was to see Médyke and Rózsi this afternoon. I had some coffee and invited them, but it was [strikethrough] cooked [/strikethrough] brewed at the Kárász home. Much talk about politics, fears of the future, hopes, criticism, etc. We had some peaceful days since last Friday, but I hear this morning the Munich area was attacked. [strikethrough] Funny, [/strikethrough] We used to have alarms, when these neighbouring regions are raided, but today nothing. I suppose, lost labour hours count heavily upon the balance and so notwithstanding the danger, we are not alarmed. On the countryside (where bells are the alarm signal) there must not be alarm, until bombs do actually fall, [strikethrough] down, [/strikethrough] because the harvest must [strikethrough] not be disturbed. [/strikethrough] go on.
There are [strikethrough] [?] [/strikethrough] expressions, much used not long before, which seem to be entirely out of fashion now: axis, Lebensraum, Europe – fortress, Atlantic wall, not to mention Blitz-Krieg.
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This picture appeared in one of our [strikethrough] noon [/strikethrough] -papers, showing a Frenchwoman hitting an allied [strikethrough] parachuter in the face. [/strikethrough] parachutist. A strange subject to choose for photographing. One would beleive, it is to make propaganda for similar actions. Do you notice the man behind her? He seems to [strikethrough] have the wish [/strikethrough] move to hold her back.
-Looking everyday at the inside of my cigarette’s case, inscribed “To Mami, May 14, 940, George” I have still the same sentiments towards YOU, as than. I am true, but being true is the virtue of age. Are you thinking still about me?
July 20. Thursday.
[strikethrough] The morning began with [strikethrough] alarms on the radio. [/strikethrough] alerts. Nothing happened [?] though. After [strikethrough] my work [/strikethrough] office I had to meet Mrs Forrai (Klári). Afterwards I had to go to Klára, on the hill. I did not intend to go to them for [strikethrough] months, as [/strikethrough] a while, and I have not been there since March 10th. [strikethrough] Political [/strikethrough] Difference of views. Yesterday she called me up, something very serious with Dini, please, do come, so I had to go. They gave up the upper [strikethrough] flat [/strikethrough] floor, two G. officers [/strikethrough]
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are living there. Coming away (I was not more there [strikethrough] as [/strikethrough] than about an hour) I met Lulu, young Pali and little Mary. They asked me for supper. As the day was very hot, it was [strikethrough] an agreeable [/strikethrough] a pleasant surprise, to have a cool evening. I did not go before a quarter to nine, Apu and the two [strikethrough] bigger [/strikethrough] older children at home, Mamu and Péter at Alsóörs where these too are due tomorrow. Lajos Kreybig came too, from the same house. We listened [strikethrough] (in case alarm should begin) [/strikethrough] to radio Bpest and there came the news of an attempt against Hitler’s life. Several generals wounded, he too, allegedly only light burns and bruises. It must be something serious, else it would be held in secret. Very probably the building was damaged too and so the story could not be [strikethrough] held [/strikethrough] kept secret. Reviewing the military situation all around, the Japanese political crisis and this above all, (where only and exclusively G. high military factors could participate,) I really suppose, the war is nearing its end. Dear! What splendid news it will be – stopping of hostitlities!