Thonon 2 September 1939

Dear Lore,
I want to write to you again even though I have not received an answer to my last letter.  Yesterday, I quite suddenly left C. because I had a feeling that something would happen and in this I was not mistaken.  Had I stayed one day longer, I would not have been able to return because the trains don’t go anymore.  Since I don’t know where you are, I am sending this letter to Cooden and the other one to the address in N. Wales.  I have left my address in C. so that all my letters can be forwarded to me.

I am again in the Pension and my address is:
Mr…
Pension Lochon
Thonon-les-Bains
Hte – Savoie

Dear Lore, I pay here 35 frs per day and I have 450 frs which will see me through about 12 days.  Since I am certain 95% there will be war, I am forced for the time being to stay at the Pension.  I would be grateful if you could speak with Auntie Eileen to send me some money so that I can stay here until the end of the month.  Since I can pay part of the amount, I would need Eileen to send me money for 18 days.  That would be 630 Frs.  35 frs x 18 = 630.  I would also need a little pocket money because I need to have my shoes repaired and this costs 30 frs and then one doesn’t know what will happen.  Tell Auntie Eileen to enquire how best to send the money to make sure it will get here.  Silver coins are being withdrawn here and paper money is given instead.  The hotel where I worked closes on 5th September.  I would not have been able to stay longer.  I went to the Police today and told them that they can take me if they need me.  I received one more card from Oma in C. from which I gather that she received my second letter after all.  Has Uncle Nat been called up? I will now translate the report I had from the Hotel.  I am very satisfied with it.

“This pupil has given us every satisfaction.  A serious worker who has at all times shown strength of will.  Very recommendable from every point of view.”

“Cet eleve nous a donne toute satisfaction.  Travailleur, conscienscieux, a toujours montre une tres bonne volonte.
Tres recommendable a tous point de vue.”

What do you say to this? – Dear Lore, I don’t think that we can still write to Oma.  I want you to write to me as soon as possible to inform me if Auntie Eileen is willing.

Regards to everyone…Oswald