Dangos 253 canlyniad

Acknowledging receipt of Mr Evans letter of 8th instant on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He writes that the Foreign Office is doing everything in its power via the American Ambassador, to ensure the safety of British subjects stranded in Germany.

He dare not attempt the journey from Kerry to Aberdare. He has an important engagement in Emma on the Tuesday and could not possibly make the journey from Kerry to Aberdare and then be home again by Monday.

Writes that he has just heard Willie Hodges about Ifor. All they previously knew was that word had been received in September that he was safe in a concentration camp. He writes that Willie had an exciting time and suggests the record of his experiences would be interesting for the school magazine should Mr Evans care to share them.

He is glad to hear that he is now in direct communication with his son. He pledges his services should this allowance be withdrawn.

Writer has received news with joy. ILE was never forgotten during all the terrible years of the war now gloriously terminated. ILE was often discussed. He wonders how ILE survived captivity. He looks forward to seeing ILE some day. In Beauvais, close to the front line, there was much suffering during the war. It was nearly overrun by the Germans twice and suffered terrible bombings from the air. At one point they had to hide in their cellars for a period of 3 months. They will overcome this all thanks to this glorious and lasting peace, but poor France has been left devastated and enfeebled. It will take many years for her to rebuild its strength, health and prosperity. The French hope to remain good friends with Great Britain, who has done so much for France, and that the excessive idealism of President Wilson will not deprive France of the legitimate spoils of her victory. If ILE comes to France to settle his affairs, he should not forget to come and see the writer. As your ILE's young friend - she can become an English Assistant in a girl's schools in France, though it might be difficult to find such a post in these times. She will need to send two letters giving her diplomas, references, grades and age, one to the Ministry of Education (Department of Secondary Education) and the other to the director of the girl's school she wishes to work at, either in Paris or another town. She will definitely get a response, perhaps a favourable one. No doubt she will be successful in the end.

Writes that his friend Mrs Kidd who had written to Herr Leisterer in her mother's maiden name has received the enclosed postcard (not present) in return. She has thoughtfully provided a translation. Herr Leisterer has done everything in his power for Ifor. Mr Ciffin writes that he would send another card out to Ifor if thought advisable. Alternatively he could write to the American Consul in Nuremberg. He writes that several letters were received from Germany in Linares but they have taken some time to get there. He mentions that there is considerable unemployment in Linares, which he puts to several mines and works having shut down. The government has opened its mines in response and put men to work on the road. They get their English papers but they are irregular (sometimes 3 or 4 at a time). The Spanish papers are fairly impartial as news is taken from all sources, though the leading articles tend to favour the allies. Mr Ciffin writes that things aren't too cheerful in this English Colony; some men are on half pay and doing nothing; several families are hung up in England and intend on making no effort to return. He wishes he had joined them as he now teaches a school which is half full and finds it no easier than when it was full. The French and German colonies are worse off as all their serviceable men have left for the front.

States that the State department has received the following cable from Berlin "Leslie Evans over seventeen and is interned at Ruhleben". Written in pencil is a note "Am afraid that ends my efforts and there is no possibility of an exchange", signed H.

Letter (copy) from Leisterer to unknown recipient: In reply to a postcard of 14 August. States that Ifor gave up his lodgings at the beginning of July, in order to visit southern Germany. They have sent him money twice but on one occasion it was returned as it had not been collected. -- According to news sent by Ifor, he was being watched by the police because of his nationality, but was otherwise alright. Then a post card from him dated 31 August informed them that he had been imprisoned in Nuremberg.

Mrs Harold writes that she feels it has been a long time since she has last had a note from Mrs Evans. She hopes that her shoulder is no longer giving her trouble. She conveys John's gratitude for the refills Mrs Evans send for his cooker, the ones she sent were stopped at London. Mary writes that he has requested his camera, but she will not send it as she thinks he will not get it. She mentions that the prisoners held a very successful Burns concert, but they have had to take down all their decorations and mentions that they are no longer permitted candles. Lastly Mary discusses the situation of their bread deliveries.

He writes that as soon as he received his letter he immediately wrote to Dr Hampe. He asked him to look into the fate of young Mr Evans and as soon as he hears anything from him he will send a telegram straight away. M. Mackeprang also fears that the war will end all international unions.

Mrs Harold is returning an enclosed newspaper cutting from Mrs Dale on the treatment of British prisoners. She is especially worried due to stories appearing in the paper about starvation but acknowledges they can't believe everything that is written in the papers.

Mary Harold sends her Christmas and new year wishes. She hopes Mrs Evans is still getting good news from Berlin. Last she heard John had not received any of the parcels she sent but that is to be expected.

Mary sends news of the parcels she has sent to her son and explains that she has been informed that their parcels arrive quicker than their postcards.