A reply to a letter from Mr Evans. He writes that it was a great shock to his father to learn that Ifor was still detained with the civilian police. They were under the understanding that all the prisoners were to be moved to an encampment. Mr Warren explains that when he last saw Ifor he was not in Solitary confinement, as he had been in his first 3 days of detention. Furthermore he believes that judging from what Ifor says about being allowed out for 3 or 4 hours a day, discipline must have been relaxed somewhat.
Ifor struggles to write interesting letters given the present circumstances but is pleased to have a good reason on this occasion. That reason being that old Dale has broken his arm playing tennis. Ifor is well but expecting 1 if not 2 more years captivity. Then he discusses prisoner exchanges and his hopes for papa Allen. He discusses the parcels he has received and the deliveries he would like his father to arrange in preparation for the winter. He also briefly mentions the Great Duff scandal (involved someone making money from prisoners of war). Ifor finishes with a quotation from Heine.
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.
ILE thanks his parents for their letter. He is in the concentration camp at Ruhleben, not far from Berlin. He is well and buys something extra to eat. He is overjoyed that Dale & Hughes are here as well. Writes every Monday.
Writes that she regrets not being able to supply further information. She states that other Englishmen have been released after a short arrest and cannot say why Ifor has been detained. Louise writes that the prisoners at Nuremberg are being well treated so Mrs Evans does not have any cause for concern. She cannot suggest a means of communicating with Ifor or sending the money requested. However she provides the details of the American minister at the Hague who may be able to help.
States that s/he started making enquiries about Ifor upon receipt of his letter of 16 September. Starting with the Hotel Trefzer? where he had been staying and then the criminal police. From the latter s/he learnt that Ifor had been imprisoned as a prisoner of war at the investigation prison (68 Barenschanz? St). S/he visited Ifor there this afternoon; he looked well and in good health, had nothing to complain about except the lack of freedom. He is allowed to read, work and send letters (under surveillance). He can also have what food his means allows him. He'll also be set free upon the payment of 5000 marks (£250) surety, to be deposited in the Royal State Bank. The criminal police has suggested that the matter should be put to Ifor's parents. In the letter it is noted that Ifor has expressed doubts over whether the £250 would be kept safe.
Message of thanks from Mary Harold for passing on word of the joint transmission of parcels. Due to being so far north they don't always receive the London papers until it is too late to act on the information contained. She then describes what she has sent and mentions that though they missed the joint transmission and are still in London, Mr Gaston has said he will do his best to ensure delivery. Mary feels it is risky sending things out when the solders aren't receiving things, but writes that they will just have to hope they will be delivered. Finally she hopes that teachers will be set free next.
Ifor writes from the investigatory prison in Neurenburg. ILE thanks him for his card. Please inform ILE's father that he is well, but that he finds himself held as a prisoner in Neurenburg. Could he send 25 pounds to the American Consul there, who will pass the money on to ILE. Could he also send 3 cards to Mrs. Dale, Hughes & Harold to inform them that their sons are all well, but also imprisoned here in Neurenburg. Things are not going too badly, ILE has English friends here.
Sent from Bamberg. Informs her that he has safely arrived in Bamberg after an interesting day; Ifor has had a tire punctured and experienced miserable weather.
Writes that he is pleased that W. J. Evans has had news of his son dated as recently 24 August 1914. He will attempt to send another postcard to Ifor again now that he has a more recent address for him.
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).
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.
His father's letter of 08 July 1917 has arrived and Ifor discusses the information on the syllabus for the entrance examination he has supplied. Ifor has not done any work for the last 4 weeks having spent the time walking round and round the race course (within which the camp is located). Though he sends details of the reading he has been doing. Ifor then discusses his wish to visit the Beacons district once again, a desire that appears to have been prompted by a visit by his parents; he requests that his mother try to send some photographs of the area. He then informs his father that he was given up cigarettes but only smokes 'hard tobacco' now and requests a change in his tobacco order. He acknowledges parcels received, asks for Coal Tar soap and Kolynes. The only needs he has for clothing are breeches, a strong pair of boots, towels and handkerchiefs. Following he thanks his father for the remittance made to Das Thomas's family and then requests further remittances be made to the bank. Ifor discusses a special meal they have had recently and mentions how he is no longer a strict vegetarian. Next he goes on to discuss his family and longing to be home. He provides a list of books he would like; The Cambridge County Geography of Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire, Ymadawiad Arthur and Gorchest Wil by T. Gwynn.
A reply to his father's letter of 21 May 1917 over confusion over the question of Ifor's scholarship. He explains the reasoning for dropping the modern language school idea and switching to History. Then outlines the work he is undertaking to achieve this. Ifor then details the teaching and Spanish studies he is currently undertaking. He goes on to explain that while he is stronger in French he has still made some progress in the language, just not enough for the modern language exam. He briefly covers remittances to the bank and expresses his hope that they have sent the money he requested to Thomas's family. The postal service has been extremely poor lately but Ifor refuses to dwell on it. He has received a tobacco package and one from Selfridge's. Ifor requests that in future he send Players W3 instead of the medium and hints that he would like a pipe. Ifor then moves on to correct a misunderstanding about a move to what he refers to as the Sea House. Then talks about his wishes for a proposed exchange of civilian prisoners and mentions an incident where a fire broke out in one of the stables in the compound. Finally he writes how he is pleased that the school term is coming to an end, it would appear he is looking forward to a break.
Writing to Mr Evans with regard to their previous correspondence during 1916 and 1917 about Ifor. He asks that if his son is still considering a university career, that Mr Evans contact him at his convenience. So his case can be considered in the recommendation process.
Ifor acknowledges a postcard he has received from her dated 24 May 1917; the 1st communication he has received for more than 3 weeks. He acknowledges parcels received commenting that they are excellent but complains they lack the ingredients for a serious meal. He then complains about his suppliers. He mentions new hope arising from a meeting at the Hague. He then describes how they can get used to captivity and so long as their parcels arrive they can live fairly comfortably. However homesickness and boredom is an issue. Ifor then asks for news of a number of people (named) and writes how he is glad Willie has recovered from his wounds. He asks his mother to see if Willie can manage to write to him directly. The Welsh society is progressing along, but the heat of late is sapping people's energy. The temperature makes it difficult for Ifor to work but he is getting some reading done and is engrossed in some Shakespeare. He has also started Spanish classes and is continuing to work with Masterman's class. He asks how Gu is keeping, the censor would not let his last card in Welsh past. Ifor has received a letter from Mr Griffiths and will reply to him soon. Ifor asks his mother to pass on his kindest regards to Mrs Dale and explains he sees B. J. quite often and passes on news of him. He finally mentions 'papa' Allen who has been unwell of late and unlucky with previous exchanges. He finishes with asking for coal tar soap and Kolynes.
Mentions that it has been 2 weeks since he last heard from her, but acknowledges this may well be down to the postal system. Ifor sends acknowledgements for parcels received but regrettably some have been inadequate. He asks his Mum to send him some coal tar soap and Kolynes.
