He has received a postcard from Ifor of which he provides a transcript (translated to English). Mr Evans writes that while he is still in prison, there are other Englishmen there; 2 gentlemen B. J. Dale and Mr Hughesdon? As the American Consul has visited the prisoners he suggests that arrangements could perhaps be made for others in the area to visit them.
Starts with Ifor wishing his parents a happy new year. He is wondering why I has not received a parcel sent to him through Mr Gaston early last November and requests they make enquiries; Ifor has not so far received any packages from his parents. Ifor explains how he has meet several people from south Wales (including Mr Davies, Mr Jenkins and a Mr Lewis). He states that he is getting a little work and reading done. He also asks for a further £10 to be sent to him via Mr Heck. The postcard is finished off with Ifor asking for his best wishes to be passed on to Willie and sends love to old people.
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.
Informing his mother that her order for him arrived yesterday. He is sorry about the considerable cost incurred, then informs her of his plan to leave Paris and expected arrive in London.
Ifor is letting his parents know how pleased he is to have received their parcel of mince pies and a package from Dilys. He asks them to thank the latter but informs them that he has not received anything sent via Mr Gaston. Ifor signs off saying he is in good health and asks that they give his 'faithful hound' a biscuit on his behalf.
Writes how strange it is that Ifor has ended up in the very same place as a Mr D. Evans who had stayed with John on his way back to Germany. He is sure that they will make each other's acquaintance soon. Mr Rees has only just recently heard from Mr D. Evans. He has asked for many things so John thinks they are in great straits; he doubts he will get anything he sends. John writes that the war is terrible; the sight of a Red Cross Ambulance train the previous Tuesday made him feel sick.
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.
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.
Ifor is longing to hear from his parents once again. He lists a number of individuals he has received correspondence from and asks his parents to let them know he will reply to them at a later date. Ifor remarks that no delicacies sent to them after 10 January 1915 will be delivered. He says that Golden Syrup, soup extracts and nut meat would be acceptable. He then asks how everyone is (specifically mentioning Jaden and his grandmother), asks if they have heard any good news and says that he is looking forward to coming home but has little hope.
He has just received Mr Evans' letter and a telegram from Copenhagen. Mr Hoyle cannot offer any explanation for the message beyond what is contained in the telegram. However he expects the letter on which it is based to arrive in due course. He supposes the 5000 marks (£250) requested is a security for good behaviour and asks if any similar requests have been made of other prisoners known to Mr Evans. Mr Hoyle recommends not acting on the matter until the original letter is to hand.
He was delighted to hear from Ifor and wishes he was in a position to accept his offer to spend a weekend with him and his parents. However his future plans are currently uncertain and he is unable to consider anything of the kind at present. Mr Dale explains that he has plans to visit Gibraltar 14-20 January, though has had trouble getting his passport. So much so that he dare not leave town in case he is summoned to attend the Passport Office. He will be travelling overland via Paris and Madrid; he will return via Rome and Paris. He writes that all this travelling has given him an excuse to retire from his post at St Stephen's. He asks what Ifor is planning to do with himself before saying that if he thinks of coming to town before he leaves, he will be most welcome to stay.
Mary is sending thanks for the newspaper cuttings Mrs Evans has sent. She is concerned that she has not received any postcards of late from John, fearing especially that he has tried to send too many and his cards are being held back. Mary is also sorry to hear that Mrs Davies is ill. Still she remains optimistic that nothing is seriously wrong. Mary also brings up the subject of all the young men that are being killed and wounded in the war.
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.
