Letter from Karol Allina to Bogusław Allina, dated 7 January 1946, written in Cairo (Egypt) – typescript, written on a sheet of blank paper on one side, in Polish; includes handwritten corrections in black ink. The signature to the letter was handwritten. The envelope from the letter has survived, with a postage stamp on the obverse, four postmarks (three of them only partially preserved), Bogusław Allina's address and an airmail sign. On the reverse of the envelope there are Karol Allina's address details and a postmark. There are two defects visible in the upper right corner of the envelope. Karol Allina reached northern Africa and Palestine during World War II, where he served in the Polish army almost until the end of the war. At the end of the war, he was demobilised and became a civilian. He lived in Cairo.
Full text of the letter:
Cairo, 7 January 1946
My dear Brother,
I have finally received your first letter of 24 September last year – in response, as you wrote, to my telegram – also from September. My dear Bogusław, you know what I felt when I read the description of your atrocious experiences during the Nazi inferno and the Warsaw Uprising, the description of the death of our beloved Mum, who did not live to see liberation from the yoke of Nazi bandits – and I... did not live to be able to hug her once more before she died. And I wanted it so much, because [...] it was probably what dear Mummy wished for....
You are telling me that the nightmare of the camps and forced labour is over – it is a consolation that Providence has spared you. We have to look to the future now – lick our wounds, build and rebuild a happier TOMORROW. I know that the beginning is difficult, that we are starting from scratch, but I believe that with the harmonious cooperation of all nations that love peace and humanity and with mutual support for each other, we will achieve this goal. Our suffering must be paid for. There are nations whose factories and fields were not touched by the hand of the satanic Nazi oppressors. These nations must come to the aid as soon as possible. And they will come – be it the USA, or Africa, or other countries rich in raw materials – they must provide us with machines, food and the necessary raw materials – and they will.
My fate will soon be decided: whether I will return to the country or, upon the Minister's arrival, I will be retained to work here, due to my knowledge of the area and economic relations. Anyway, I want to be together with Greta and the boys: I haven't seen them for six years... I haven't heard from them so far. I don't even know exactly where they are. I want to hug you all as soon as possible. Here, in this area where fate has thrown me, I would like to prepare, to the best of my abilities, whatever is possible for the benefit of our country and all of us. I have sent you some small parcels of sweets. Have you received them[?] I would also send you some clothes, but [for now] it is technically difficult. Have you received them? What do you need? Let me know right away.
I'm also writing to Stefcia. I suppose addressing the letter to the Higher Institute of Music in Katowice will suffice. After all, she was well-known enough as a professor, and I do not know[,] where she lives. Like any other place in our country, it seems to me that the Institute feels the lack of scientific books and sheet music. I know that France has been involved in collecting books for Poland. Among other things, I would like to address the issue of collecting books (scientific books, works of art, stories, as well as university and music textbooks). I am awaiting your instructions. There is so much to do, so much to be done!!!
I know that the boys and Greta are in a very difficult position. Therefore, please, let me know if you have already made contact with her. She misses me and I miss them so much.
I'm writing in such a chaotic way – don't be surprised – after all these long years we have so much to tell each other, and I'm writing... but it all seems like it's not what I would like to tell you and how I would like to hug you.
I, too, have experienced a lot. I fought in the Libyan desert, and then, after being released as an invalid, I served in the Royal Air Force – in Eritrea, Sudan, and finally here[,] in Egypt. I am now waiting for new instructions regarding return or service there.
Sending my love to you, Halcia and Ryś and hugging you tightly
Your
Karol
Details on the envelope:
[Addressee:] Mr. Bogusław Allina An den Brunnen 36 Wrocław – Karlowice POLAND. POLOGNE
[Sender:] K. Allina c/o Alonzo 13, Sh. El Nemr Cairo
MH
