[Dear Harold:] My recovery from my sudden illness of ten days ago has apparently been steady and rapid.1 The earliest symptoms of my indisposition were sufficiently slight that the doctors did not class the difficulty as a "stroke." However, I did suffer a marked "word confusion," with, also, some loss of memory of words alone.
In all other respects, I was not aware of any physical impairment, and within twenty-four hours I began to improve. While I still speak a bit more slowly and will occasionally mispronounce a word, I am sure that the doctors are most optimistic of my complete recovery.
All this means, as of this moment, that I am planning to be at the NATO meeting in mid-month. It is possible that I will try to avoid any lengthy public addresses, but otherwise I see no reason for curtailing my normal activity.2
All this I have told you in some detail so that you will not overstress whatever remaining difficulty that I may have when I see you.
We have been having a series of meetings preparing programs for the coming session of Congress, starting in early January. With these out of the way, Foster and I will be right busy in preparatory work for the NATO meeting.3
I believe that the first meeting is to be Monday noon. In order that I may have a reasonable period of rest after my transatlantic trip, I may plan on reaching Paris about Saturday noon. I might use this interval not only for some rest and additional briefing, but I should like also, if possible, to take a short visit to SHAPE just to see how my old headquarters has prospered. It would be fun to see the place once more.4
Looking forward to seeing you in Paris, and with my warm regard, [As ever]
