Letter XI, dated 24th October 1943,[1]
“Be Prepared!”
We are tremendously happy that we were able to communicate so well. We expected you to understand our motives and conditions under which we work; simultaneously, we know yours must be different. You are in a small camp that has not been subjected to changes for many years; you are a soldier. Our group of Poles counts for 4 thousand – very different individuals! But among them, for sure, are close-knit groups like yours. Only working conditions divide and connect us quite accidentally – our cautious approach is not a suspicion – we are sure you will understand that. We are sorry that we must play such a “double” game with you – double contact with you. Forgive us for our group leader and that it is as it is and cannot be otherwise. We hope you will not be discouraged by such unpleasantness, which is very unpleasant mainly for us but unavoidable. We are satisfied with the way our affairs are dealt with. As far as your possibilities, they are pretty enough. With goodwill and persistence, many things could be achieved. Only one more thing – the issue of initiating the contact cannot be done in a rush; you realize how difficult it is, under the circumstances, to contact you every time. You asked us about the goals, ways and means of our organization. The purpose is known; there is no reason to write about that. As far as the ways and means go, we have had no contact with the outside world for at least three years, and not much we could explain precisely in the matter. Anyway, it is unnecessary – you will learn about all of that when you contact us. Now, you must send us precise information on how we may contact you from Freedom. Most of all we need the exact address; is your mail limited and to what extent, are you getting letters usually on in other forms, in what number, is it only to a particular address, and can you get letters from different people, how the control of the letters look like, as well, can you write a limited number of letters and only to a given address, may address be changed? How the issue of parcels look like? Can you get them in unlimited numbers, is it possible to receive books and medicine, are those parcels controlled? If possible, the issue of getting books for you and us would be solved very fast. Some medication is essential for our health; we do not have access to it here. Our parcels are searched, and we are not allowed to receive medicine. Mostly, the medication is needed for our operated friends, who now do not get any medical care – they need Septasin to cure different forms of abscess and need calcium.
We understand that you do not have them, but would it be possible to receive them from outside and then pass those items to us. And one more critical issue, you mentioned your contacts with Neubrandenburg POWs; it is essential to contact them permanently. Can you advise us precisely on the matter? We have a form to Oflag 2C near Neubr.[2]. If you have any possibilities, we may contact them. Contacts with any camps must be maintained. We beg you to respond as soon as possible to our questions – for you and us. We are waiting. We hope that everything can be conducted favourably. We depend on you – dear comrades – Be Prepared!
P.S. As far as our letters go, a more secure and previously arranged place to store them separately should be established.
[1] Written by Zofia Pociłowska
[2] Oflag Woldenberg