New York, 18.9.38
Dear Puppiken, I ordered telegram. You could have saved yourself the cost. Not meant as a reproach, because I understand that you are excited just like I am. I had already written to Washington, and I then called there when I received your telegram, just so I would not feel guilty. But I knew it would be of no use. As expected, I was told on the phone that they would look into the matter, that they were very busy at work working aces in the order that they came in, that I should not worry yet but for the consulate in Berlin had confirmed that the form was not in their possession. They were convinced that the form was there. And I am convinced that they aren't doing anything in Washington, not in response to my letter nor in response to my phone call. They will not act until they have found out in Berlin that the form is missing and they should have determined that by now.
I am very concerned about the political developments in Europe. Even though I said in my last letter to you that I don't believe there will be no more, my opinion has been less firm in the last few days. I still believe that you will be avoided, but to who can know this. Since we have to try everything to get you out of Europe if this misfortune should befall humanity yet again, I would like to give you the following instructions, which, of course, only make sense to arrive in time. I feel guilty for not having told you about this sooner, we don't easily think about uncomfortable things. So if you have received your visa by now, take the very first opportunity to leave. Don't let anything keep you from leaving! I know are very responsible and will have all kinds of concerns, for instance that you don't want to abandon Mrs. Kratzsch from one day to the next.
F Should you be unable to purchase a ticket from the Netherlands, I will send you money to the Netherlands. In the worst case, everything is possible.
Please don't think about such things, but rather that a war could keep you there for years. We must do everything possible to avoid this misfortune. Should you not have a visa yet, you must be extremely vigilant about the situation becoming critical enough that it might come to a war, then you should go to the Netherlands to Cossen Amsterdam Parnassusweg 30 or 40. In this case, you would try to transfer to the Netherlands the documents that are at the American consulate in Berlin. If you weren't able to do this, I would send you new documents to the Netherlands. F
Most importantly, you should be out of Germany in case of a war that—so I fervently hope—will not happen. And it doesn't matter what happens to our possessions in that case. It's better for you to be in New York with bare ??? than with all of your possessions in Germany. I hope that you understand me and that you are smart enough to act accordingly. If you act according to my second suggestion, in God's name don't do it too late. I think you have a passport. You don't need a visa for the Netherlands. But these things can change from one day to the next when a war is about to happen. That's why I repeat: Don't wait to act! Should a war surprise you in Leipzig, however, don't stay there to wait for planes to drop bombs, but immediately go to Nieheim. It is safer there than in Leipzig. I think you understand my concern and take everything as seriously as it it.
I hope you are all in good health and that there will be no war. The misfortune for the people in Europe would be unimaginable. I long for you, but I don't think it is a longing to write you this letter. I can bear it as well as you. But if a war should surprise us (if one can still use this word considering the situation), we would have a difficult time. And this would need to be overcome as well. The mere possibility of avoiding this hardship motivates me to write this letter. Again: I hope it doesn't arrive too late. 1000 kisses from your Fritz
Strange that this letter in particular was lost!
