BR tells Ted that Meynell wrote asking to meet with him, and at first he agreed, but then declined because he did not want to mislead Meynell into thinking he would negotiate Dora's petition. BR asks Ted if he agrees with him, and lists five reasons for his own decision.

BR's postscript states, "I am advised by the highest legal authority that any negotiation with a view to amending the petition would be collusive."