12/3-12/9/50

Dec 3 Sunday We went over to Mom's where we had a surprise party for our anniversary and Max Guzman's birthday. The Beckers, A. Edelstein, Bardes', Guzmans, Thaws, Goodes and Sandra were there. All the kids got presents from everyone. These included puzzles, dredels [sic], dolls, dollar bills etc. We got two candy dishes and a water pitcher. Eugene and Sylvia sang Chanakah songs. Pop took us back and forth. At home we lit the kids' menorahs while Eugene recited the "Brocha".

Dec 4 Eugene called me at 4 AM. When I came to his bed he said Sylvia had told him to call. I came over to her and she told me she "threw up". She had been quiet as a church mouse. Lillian cleaned up the mess. She threw up twice more before morning. Eugene went into my bed but couldn't sleep there. Sylvia complained of a belly-ache and had 100.8 at noon. Eugene stayed home from school also as it was a rainy day. Americans began to evacuate Pyongyang, former North Korean capital as the Communist army approached. "Liberal" Senators Morse and O'Mahoney called for use of the atom bomb on Russia. Truman held continuous parleys with his top-level advisers. The Daily Worker obtained a court order barring action in a vote to ban the paper from the news stands. 

Dec 5 Sylvia stayed home today again but was much better. Truman and Attlee met and announced their determination to come to a full accord on the world crisis. American troops headed for Seoul. Canada warned the US against using the atom bomb. 

Dec 6 Eugene's report card showed continued excellence in all subjects except for an 87% in Arithmetic. Sylvia got all S's in hers. American troops retreated across the 38th parallel as "Reds" entered burning Pyongyang. Our jets killed 2000 Chinese crossing the Taedong River. There are many reports that we will not use the A Bomb against the Chinese. Asian and Arab States called on the Chinese to stop at the parallel. Judith Coplon's conviction was upset and a new trial ordered on the grounds that she was arrested without a warrant and evidence was gotten by wiretapping. 

Dec 7 Lillian went to the P.T.A. bazaar last night with the kids. She bought a doll's dress for Sylvia $1.39, a game called Deavols [?] for Eugene 69¢, a scarf for me and half a cake. She also bought new linoleum for the kitchen at Imperial. The cost was $15 including $2.50 for laying it. Marines and G.I's linked up in an attempt to break out of the Red traps. Many groups are asking the US to get out of Korea. Truman and Attlee agreed to build up the Atlantic defences as the No 1 concern of the coalition and replace MacArthur ultimately. Sen McCarthy asked for war on China using Chiang's troops and ouster of Marshall. 

Dec 8 Trapped Marines and G.I's opened a new escape drive to the coast. UN forces losses have been tremendous. U.S. casualties are now reported as 32000. The U.S. is pressing for a blockade of China but England is hesitant. We are also asking the UN to brand China as an aggressor but many countries are objecting. 

Dec 9 The kids and Lil lit the candles in both menorahs every night while Eugene said the blessings. Sylvia got a pair of suede shoes at Miles today $4.45. American troops in Korea are being prepared for evacuation by sea. Millions of refugees are on the move in Korea. The Truman-Attlee negotiations are expected to result in an agreement to withdraw from Korea entirely.