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Dvr H.Adler
PAL/30765
650, G.T.Coy R.A.S.C
“B” Platoon
C.M.F

12 March 1945

Today I saw Bonca. You know, my friend from Spain is now like me a soldier in the R.A.S.C. He is in my company and even in my platoon. However during the month he has been with us I have only had one chance to talk with him and that for less than an hour. And imagine, darling, that instead of talking to each other about political matters as you would expect from two old comrades in arms, he spoke to me only of his love for his young wife (ill, it appears) and I had only listened to him….

Yesterday evening when I returned from work I found my comrades deep in discussion: can we consider our part of Italy liberated or conquered? The discussion was lively, as only Jews know how. The arguments on both sides were strong and at each of the arguments, one believed the contestant. Knock out (ENG). Illusion! Very quickly, someone made another argument of a different and powerful nature. For my part, I think that it is liberated and conquered at the same time. It is already liberated from the fascist yoke but is still conquered by the foreign powers that occupy it and prevent it from following the natural development of liberation. It’s clear. It’s the dialectic. The yes in the no and the no in the yes.

You have asked me already twice to write to Helene and Jacqueline. I have decided however not to write. Not because I think that I shouldn’t. Its because I feel that I cant do it. “Dear Madam, I am Henry and I am Yvette’s husband. We love each other and we think to be able to build ourselves a happy life together. Yvette has often spoken to me about you and I love and respect you because of her. Etc etc…  My darling, I can’t do it.

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