Now I saw the marks of fatigue and strain — working for us! For the world! I felt proud and humble. ‘I have disturbed you so late, Comrade, because I have need of your advice. I heard there was a delegation of teachers from your country and I thought I would avail myself of the opportunity.’ ‘Anything at all I can tell you, Comrade Stalin …’ ‘I often wonder if I am getting the correct advice about our policy in Europe, and in particular, our policy for Great Britain,’ I kept silent, but I was enormously proud — yes, this is a truly great man! Like a real Communist Leader he is prepared to take advice from even rank and file party cadres like myself! ‘I would be grateful, Comrade, if you would outline for me what our policy ought to be in Great Britain. I realize that your traditions are very different from ours, and I realize that our policy has not been taking these traditions into account.’ Now I felt at ease to begin. I told him I often felt that there were many errors and mistakes in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s policy as it affected Great Britain. I felt this was due to the isolation imposed on the Soviet Union due to the hatred of the capitalist powers for the budding Communist country. Comrade Stalin listened and smoked his pipe, nodding the while. When I hesitated, he said, more than once: ‘Please continue, Comrade, do not be afraid to say exactly what is in your mind.’ And so I did. I spoke for about three hours, beginning with a brief analytical account of the historical position of the British CP. Once he rang a bell, and another young Comrade came in with two glasses of Russian tea on a tray, one of which he set before me. Stalin sipped his tea abstemiously, nodding as he listened. I outlined what I considered would be the correct policy for Britain. When I had finished, he said simply: ‘Thank you, Comrade. I see now I have been very badly advised.’ Then he glanced at his watch, and said: ‘Comrade, you must forgive me, but I have much work to do before the sun rises.’ I rose. He held out his hand. I shook it. ‘Good-bye, Comrade Stalin,’ ‘Good-bye, my good Comrade from Britain, and thank you again.’ We exchanged a wordless smile. I know my eyes were full — shall be proud of these tears till I die! As I left Stalin was refilling his pipe, his eyes already on a great pile of papers that awaited his perusal. I went out of the door, after the greatest moment of my life. The two young Comrades were waiting for me. We exchanged smiles of profound understanding. Our eyes were wet. We drove back to the hotel in silence. Only once were words spoken: ‘That is a great man,’ I said, and they nodded. At the hotel they accompanied me to my bedroom door. They wordlessly pressed my hand. Then I went back to my diary. Now I had something to record indeed! And I was at my work until the sun rose, thinking of the greatest man in the world, less than half a mile away, also awake and working, in custody of the destinies of us all!