Dangos 282 canlyniad

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.

Sending his sympathies for the situation that his son now finds himself.

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.

Returning Ifor's letter, part of which he has copied and intends to publish in the next school magazine.

Photograph of the camp.

In answer to letter 16th the writer has made enquiries after ILE, first at his hotel Trefser and then at the Criminal Police Headquarters, where he was speedily informed, that ILE, like other nationals of states now at war with Germany - there are Montenegrins, English and some Russians here in Neurenburg - has been interned as a prisoner of war and is currently in the investigatory prison (Barenhoelz Strasse 68), a hygienically excellent new building surrounded by gardens. The writer visited ILE this afternoon. The neat and loveable young man, who was in Neurenburg to study the German language, looked well and healthy, was pleased to be visited and did not have any complaints, except of course his lack of freedom. He can read, work, write and - under supervision - is allowed to correspond - though he did recently have a letter sent by him to a contact in the Netherlands returned as undeliverable. He can eat as he pleases within his means. For a bond of 5000 marks to be deposited at the Kgl. Hauptbank here in Neurenburg, and under the condition that he will not leave or change his place of residence without informing the authorities, he can be released from prison and be allowed to go back to stay at his hotel. I have been informed that the American embassy is already undertaking steps to raise the necessary bounties with English money. These sums naturally will be repaid to the last heller and pfennig at the end of the war. The family of Mr. Evans need to consider whether they wish to do this though ILE was not so sure. The writer assured him that this bond would be as safe in the Kgl. Hauptbank as if it was in the Bank of England. Letter breaks off at this point.

Writes that forwarding letter to Germany is no inconvenience or risk. Even if there was he would still do so for Ifor's parents. He explains that they should not mention anything about the war.

He says that he was to receive their postcard of the 12th and thanks them for the postal order. He then expresses surprise that their parcels have not arrived and there is no news from Nuremberg as to their whereabouts. Ifor then drops hint that a couple of strong khaki shirts and a pair of breeches would be very suitable for his present circumstances. He also asks for a copy of an annotated edition of twelfth night. Ifor goes on to inform that he is taking lessons in German and spends much of his time playing chess. He then asks his parents for a book on chess match openings before apologising for always asking for things. He finishes by stating he will write to them every Sunday and Wednesday.

Explains that he has delayed writing to her because he had hoped that he would have news that a friend of his (Willy Hesse) would be accompanying him in his tour. However Ifor learnt this morning that he would not be coming. He details the timetable for the rest of the trip to Suhl, which he expects to be in by 08 August. He promises to send a postcard each day but cautions that the postal service from the Bohemian forest is not of the best. Above all his parents should not worry. He supplies some dates and corresponding addresses which he hopes his mother will use to write to him. Ifor sends thanks for items his mother has sent him and provides details of Wechmar. He has spoken almost entirely in German during his holiday and made considerable progress.

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.

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.

ILE brought here (close to Berlin) earlier that same day from Neurenburg. He is well, and has his winter clothes and great coat with him. His friends Hughes and Dale are with him as well.

Sent from Nuremberg. Writes that he is spending the day visiting this fine old town (Nuremberg). He explains that the church depicted on the card took him 1.5 hours to visit. He has found a vegetarian restaurant where he lunched in luxury.

Sent from Nuremberg. Ifor arrived by train from Bamberg this afternoon. Rain and slackness prevented him cycling, but fortunately travel in Bavaria is very cheap. He write Nuremberg is a fine old town.

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.

Acknowledges parcels but in not as many as previously. He finds it surprising that the 2 he has received are at the maximum weight allowance and does not think they are worth what his father pays for them. Ifor has sent a letter recommending parcels from France; J. F. Evans receives Heinz goods from Penarth and complains about Selfridge's. Necessity has forced Ifor to abandon his vegetarianism; asks for ham and bacon. Ifor details his golf and the lessons he has been taking, he believes this should prove advantageous when he goes to Cambridge; his knee and temperament rules out rougher sports. He will therefore be very grateful for his clubs and for half a dozen balls every 3 months. He does not want his father to worry about his knee. He details the trouble he is recently had and the treatment he has had. B. J. Dale's accident has proven more serious but he too is on the mend. A tobacco parcel has recently arrived though Ifor is surprised the mixture his mother has sent is not nicotine free; it would appear that the mixture is too strong for Ifor. He would like to make changes to his tobacco order and asks for 100 nice cigarettes.

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.

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.

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.