Ifor writes at length about his feelings for his recently deceased grandmother; regretting that he will not be able to demonstrate in person the Welsh that he has learnt (his grandmother cared deeply for the Welsh language). He covers again his wishes to come home and describes his disappointment with The Hague. Ifor comments that Selfridge's parcels have improved and lists some items he would appreciate and mentions an increased allowance. He then provides a list of acknowledgements of goods received. Apparently his mother's parcel of 07 September 1917 is not yet to hand as the August Central Committee thought she was sending too much soap. The letter finishes with Ifor discussing his parent's decision to move in to a Bungalow, which he prefers to a move to Swansea.
Ifor starts with acknowledging parcels received. He writes that he has not been to the Sanatorium to see B. J. Dale since the accident, though Macmillan has gotten permission to visit him on 2 occasions. However Ifor was fortunate in being able to see him on his 2nd visit to the camp since his accident; he looks well and is considerably better. Ifor then discusses the prospect of taking an external London Degree; he is currently working towards his Intermediate B.Sc (Economics) which he thinks will be more useful than an arts Degree, if more work. He then informs his father that he has ordered books to the value of nearly £3, which his father will be liable for payment. However he insists that they are essential for his work towards the London syllabus and mentions he may have the opportunity to sit the examination in Germany next July. Ifor mentions that his proposals re. Aberystwyth may have startled him somewhat and he awaits his reply. He also feels his mother is not very comfortable at 45 Aberdare and hopes the arrangement is temporary. He finishes with writing that he is currently spending an hour per week with the great master Johann Sebastian Bach in the camp music shed and sends his thanks for Miss B. Richards.
The question uppermost in Ifor's and the minds of his fellow prisoners is will they be home for Christmas; their chances are looking good. Events are moving forward quickly but Ifor cautions that experience has taught them not to get too optimistic. Ifor expects their reunion to be a joyous one and details is expectation of going down to the polling booth to vote with his parents. Reading the paper takes up time Ifor himself believes should be spent on more serious work. He thinks himself ready for the exam next June but wonders whether it would be worth his while to go to any University. Still law still appeals to him most of all though he hopes to discuss this more once he returns home.
Informs his parents that they are just leaving Dresden for the Czechoslovak frontier by Elbe Steamer. They found Dresden appealing enough to stay an extra day.
Sent from Prague. Ifor describes what he declares to be the logical outcome of superstition; a church 30 miles from Prague decorated in skulls and bones (depicted on the card).
Thanks for letter of 4th this month. ILE answered this before, but the letter was returned as undeliverable, so now attempting postcard instead. Held here as a prisoner of war for these last four weeks. Things are okay, and ILE has his books and other stuff with him. He has received his money from home. Please send this news on to his father.
Writes that he understands Mr Evans'reasons for not paying out the bail money demanded of the German authorities. He suggests that if they send word to Ifor that they cannot send payment without saying why, the authorities may see that money won't be sent and release him. Like they have done with the other prisoners.
He writes that he has not yet had a reply to the last card he sent to Ifor. He will write once again today. Mr Heck has been informed by the Dutch Consul that the others have been released against caution, released to be free in the town within the city limits.
States that they have not had a reply to their last letter to Ifor dated 24 September 1914 and therefore assume he is now in direct contact with him. Their expenses in the matter have been 5 shillings, which they ask to be sent to their London office.
Mr Ken Hardie would like Mr Evans to have a copy of the answers he has received from Sir Edward Grey (not present). S/he also writes that requests for money should not be responded to.
Writes of the good news he has had of his brother Mervyn; he had been at the front north of Salonika for 3 months and is mainly engaged in map making. He is fortunate in that his job is more interesting and varied than most infantry officers. He then finishes the letter with discussing his disagreement over Mr Evans' statement about European civilisation having turned out to be a fiasco.
Writes that he appreciates that some special provision will have to be made for individuals who have spent time imprisoned during the war or have been away on military service. However he explains that they cannot draw up a syllabus for an exam when they do not know when it will take place. He also gives advice on what sort of preparation Ifor can take in the meantime, considering his circumstances.
Writing with news of Mr Ifor L. Evans who he met in Nuremberg last month. He states that all Englishmen liable for military service were arrested and detained, but some (including himself) were set free after a medical officer had determined they were unfit for service. Desmond now believes that the prisoners have been moved to Nuremberg and explains he has been informed that they will be permitted some amount of liberty. He has passed Ifor's name on to the American Consul and (once in London)put his case to the Foreign Office, the latter is in the process of trying to arrange an exchange. Mr Warren encloses a message given to him by Ifor as well as papers given to him by the Foreign Office. He says that Ifor did not seem very down cast about his detainment and hopes that any further news of Ifor could be passed onto him.
Thanks ILE's mother for her card, and taking an interest. ILE states that his mother speaks French, so he can use his maternal language, forgive him the momentary lack of his paternal language. ILE sends his love.
