St. Cyprien

September 10, 1940

Dear Franzi,

Yesterday I received your letter of July 22. As you see, the mail is not particularly fast. Now I want to tell you how I came to be here. As you may know I was interned in a Jewish refugee camp in Hal, near Brussels, from May 10th, 1940. On the 14thof May we were transported from there in tightly closed cattle trains, there were 40 of us in each wagon. On the way we were bombed from the air. The journey lasted 5 days, practically without food or drink. We were then taken to a camp in central France, where we remained for 10 days. Finally we were brought here to St. Cyprien, where I have been since May 29th.

This is the southernmost part of France, near the Spanish border, at the foot of the Pyrenees, right on the Mediterranean. The camp consists of a number of wooden barracks which have been erected right in the sand on the shore. There are, at present, about 4,000 people, all from Belgium. The living conditions are not good. Terrible sandstorms, dampness, vermin and disease. During the summer things were bearable since we were able to bathe in the sea. Food is very short. No wonder many are trying to escape from here.

(note about relatives that was omitted)

Of course I did not receive your chocolate that you sent me, who knows who has eaten it. Yes Franzi, these are terrible times that have come on us. With horror I hear about the air bombardments of London (the Blitz). I only hope nothing happens to you.

Hopefully better times will come for us.

Etc. etc.

Poldi