Den 28. oktober 1943 skrev Nathan Philip fra Stockholm til sin forretningsforbindelse i London, Rex Poland, som han havde kendt siden 1909. Deres kontakt var brat afbrudt af Danmarks besættelse den 9. april 1940, og en af de ting Nathan Philip spurgte til var deres økonomiske mellemværende. Det havde ingen af dem længere overblik over, og grundlaget for deres samarbejde var så voldsomt forandret, at de menneskelige forhold trådte i forgrunden.
Korrespondancen var langsom på grund af den usikre transport over internationalt farvand og den engelske censur. Men der findes to breve fra Rex Poland, dateret 16. december 1943 og 10. marts 1944, der giver indblik i de to mænds samtale. Nathan Philips breve er ikke bevaret.
1943 Rex Poland brev til Nathan Philip (PDF)
UPPER THAMES STREET, LONDON, E.C.4, 16th December, 1943
Dear Nathan,
I was extremely pleased and happy to receive your letter two days ago and to know that you and your family are safe and well. I have often thought of you and wondered how you were getting on in the terrible events that have befallen your country. I hope you will soon be able to return there. In the meanwhile, are you doing any business in Sweden?
We are still carrying on, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so, no importations of fur are allowed and there are many restrictions on exports. […] We were blitzed twice […] However, I started off again and am carrying on, but am nearly single-handed, only Miss Williamson left in the office, John, Beere and another for warehouse work.
My son Peter has now been in North Africa for two years. I am glad to say he is fit and well. Mr. Provatoroff joined the Navy, but has been a Prisoner of War over 18 months. Mr. Carvalho is doing National Service. Bowles and Whiting are in the Royal Air Force […] Two of the warehouse staff have died on Active Service.
Two days before your letter arrived, I had one from Bendix who has found himself a temporary job. From what he says he is in touch with you.
Yours very sincerely,
Rex Poland
1944 Rex Poland brev til Nathan Philip (PDF)
UPPER THAMES STREET, LONDON, E.C.4, 10th March, 1944
Dear Nathan,
I received your letter of January 14th two days ago, and I am very glad to have your news again. I have not heard from Mr. Provatoroff lately direct, but I have news from him through his wife and brother. It is very kind of you to offer to do something for him, and I am sure that if you send him a food-parcel, he would appreciate it very much. I think he is all right for clothes.
His address is: –
Ordinary Seaman Vladimir Provatoroff
P.O.W. No 1505, Stalag 344, Germany
I am afraid there is nothing to be done for the moment as regards business. Negotiations are going on between representatives of the fur trade and certain Government Departments, and should it be possible later on to make business with Sweden, I shall be very happy to do something through or with you. I have not had time to look up the exact details of the goods bought for you in 1940, nor the details of the consignments we had from you at the time, but all the goods were either sold or destroyed by Enemy Action. For those which were destroyed, we received payment from the Government Insurance and all the proceeds were paid into the Custodian Enemy Property for your account after deducting anything that was owing by you to us on your account; so I am sure you will find that everything is in order, but of course, nothing can be done until after the war.
I am glad to say that Peter arrived home about a month ago and has now taken up duty in England. He was very pleased to hear that you and your family are safe in Stockholm. I hope to hear from you soon again. In the meanwhile kindest
regards from us all,
Yours very sincerely,
Rex Poland
