Childhood Years - A Narrow Escape
Scan of the original cover letter to Eileen Levitt and the Elsaesser family,
from an unknown bi-lingual friend, to accompany translation of letter
from Fritz Jacobi, dated 26/05/1937
Mrs. E. Levitt
(...)
Hampstead,
N.W.3.
May 26th, 1937
Dear Eileen,
We had a letter from Fritz Jacobi (Else’s husband) of which I herewith hand you a translation. I have written to him that I would give you, Sydney, Phyllis and Margot a translation which I have done, and told him that it would be best for him to come to London for a few days to speak to you all, and you might in the meantime have the opportunity of talking matters over with the other members of the Elsaesser family.
With love,
(unknown signature)
Enclosed Translation
Scan of original translation of letter from Fritz Jacobi to the
Elsaesser family, dated 24/05/1937
Translation
May 24th, 1937.
Dear Relatives,
I am writing with reference to my visit in December 1935 and the conversations I had with you all relating to my children.
At the moment I am only concerned about Oswald and his future. He is now 14 ½ years old and I shall have to do something about him, as there are no prospects for him over here. Eileen said to me at the time “you need not worry about the children”, and the kindness which she and Nat showed me give (sic) me the hope to approach you again.
I have tried to place Oswald here to learn a trade, but without success, and am now trying to send him to France to a Trade School for Hotel Industry. He has to start with to go for eighteen months to a school to learn the language; after that, the attendance at a Trade School for Hotel Industry takes three years and ends with an examination. After that it would rest with Oswald to fight his way in the world. I have chosen France for this purpose as that seems to be the cheapest place. Three years ago the expenses were about £50 or Fcs. 3,200 for nine months, beside small pocket expenses and I expect that the terms would now be about the same. I would be in a position to pay these expenses, if there is a possibility of a transfer through the organisation of the Central Committee for Help in Berlin, Kantstr. 158, but nobody can foresee how long this organisation may still be in existence. If, therefore, the Elsaesser family would be willing to help the boy, this help would have to start now. The expenses seem to be relatively low in comparison with those in other Countries, and as I mentioned above I would be in a position to pay if I had the possibility of the transfer. I would have to pay here when my turn comes, in Marks, plus 40% premium and the organisation undertakes the transfer.
In order to ascertain whether the family is really willing to help as promised when I was there, I would come to London for a few days in order to settle things, as without foreign help it is scarcely possible for a young boy to secure his future.
I shall be much obliged to receive an early reply,
and remain with kindest regards to you all,
Yours,
(Signed) Fritz