He writes that Sir Alfred Moud has been making enquiries regarding the payment of "Caution Money" to obtain Ifor's release in Nuremberg. He reports that the Foreign Office is strongly opposed to such payments, fearing it will lead to all British prisoners held in Germany being blackmailed. Mr Evans writes that while it is difficult not being able to help Ifor, he agrees with their view. Mr Evans is under the impression (from information given by a private source) that Ifor is the only British person still imprisoned. He is at a loss as to why this may be so; he has not heard from Ifor for over 3 weeks. He has also not heard of the Germans asking for such payments for either B. J. Dale or Dr Haufse's(?) son. Furthermore, he writes about the plans Ifor had to try for a modern language scholarship at Cambridge but fears that his plans will be upset by his detainment. He suspects that without this any prospects for a University career will have to be abandoned. However he hopes his experience will prove useful in any future career he might undertake.
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.
Acknowledges receipt of communication from Mr W. J. Evans and informs him that a dispatch from the foreign office dated 08 October 1914 states that they are not to take part in the transmission of letter to persons in enemy or neutral countries. They're also under no circumstances to forward money.
She writes that she has just returned from Nuremberg and while she did not meet Ifor herself, a friend of hers knows him. She has been given a message to pass on; his son is well but longing for home, he will only be released on payment of 3000 marks (£150). The only means of transmitting this money would be through the American Consul.
Writes that he had hoped to be in a position to offer Mr Evans some news, but when he visited the Foreign Office yesterday he was not able to see the gentlemen he wished. He has been informed via an unofficial source that 2 or 3 weeks must pass before anything can be done.
ILE's family is remembered by the writer and his family and they take part in their anguish over ILE's fate. He thanks ILE's mother for her letter and her concern over Georges [the writer's son]. One must be indulgent to our soldiers and forgive them faults that would otherwise be inexcusable. Georges left for the front 21 February. The start was not too hard, but afterwards he was sent to one of the most dangerous parts, from which he emerged unhurt. Thank God! Now he is again in a region with frequent battles. The courage of our brave soldiers is marvellous and they will win in the end. Do not doubt this. But how sad all this is at the same time. So many sufferings, so many chagrins. One must have confidence. The enemy is a coward, once they feel themselves beaten and only the fear of retaliation prevents them from hurting their prisoners. Send best wishes to Leslie and that he may preserve his courage and good health during his captivity. The writer's daughter will pray for him. All need God's help during this time.
He writes to Mr Evans thinking it will ease his mind to learn that he knows for a certainty that the prisoners of war were to be placed in the hands of the military authorities, after a few days confinement. This should result in much better treatment. Mr Warren understands that the American Consul is willing to send money to prisoners of war; to his knowledge he has lent several Englishmen at Nuremberg money. Any money deposited with any American Consul on the continent can be paid out by another. Desmond writes that Ifor sees this as an excellent opportunity to learn German. He further states that he does not believe that his detention will last long.
The writer's son has not received news about ILE for a long time. The writer and his family are anxious to know what has happened to him. They get news from time to time of some young Englishmen being released and returned to their families. It would be happy news if ILE was one of them. They hope ILE will be released from his captivity at the same time this horrible war ends. The writer's son still fulfils the same role as at the beginning of the war in the medical corps and is not in immediate physical danger. He does his best to relieve suffering and has plenty of ill people on his hands. He has borne himself well. Hope ILE's mother's sufferings will be at an end soon.
She writes that she sympathises with Mrs Evans having her only son taken from her and that she knows she sympathises with them also. She hopes their sons have met each other. She writes that as Ifor is musical he must have taken part in the xmas performance. Mrs Darnell says that she is getting regular postcards now and her boys are well though they long for home; it is especially difficult for her eldest who had just become engaged shortly before leaving home.
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.
Encloses a letter he has received from the Foreign Office concerning Ifor. He also writes that he believes that others imprisoned with Ifor are permitted out around the town. So he would expect that Ifor must also have a degree of freedom.
Her cousin Borgmastaren Pettenson has received a postcard from Ifor L. Evans dated 11 October 1914. The card requested that his parents be informed that he is quite well and that he requests that they send £150 (3000 marks) to the American Consul as security for his release. He is currently in Nuremberg.
Describing life at the front and some 8 days leave from the front that he has had due to illness in January. He is currently present as a surgeon linked to an infantry regiment at the front.
Dear Mr. Ponachi? With the last post I have received a card from Leslie Evans with the following contents: Please inform his father that he is well, but held as a prisoner of war in Nuremberg. Please send 25 pounds to American Consulate. He can also send postcards there. Please also inform Mrs. Dale, Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. MacDuff their sons are well. Next part is illegible. All well and treated well. Went walking for 2 hours. Writer is at disposal addressee. He hopes there will be peace soon. Jacob Rosenstein Note written on the back in Italian.
Mrs Harold hopes that the introduction of home rule at Ruhleben is a sure sign that the Germans are running out of men. She writes that her youngest son is well and that the outdoor life seems to suit him. Her only other son will be enlisting next week; as he gives his father a considerable amount of help she doesn't know how they cope. Mary has also had word from one of her daughters that is staying in Rio de Geneva; she sends word of 2 friends that have been killed. Mary then describes a tragic incident on the front which left the university coy (company?) with only 12 members. She also mentions that the problems she is having with her eyes are getting worse.
