Handwritten letter from the father to his son, written on both sides of the letterhead, at the top of the first page imprint reads: “GŁOS GOSPODARCZY” | BODY | OF THE FEDERATION OF ASSOCIATIONS OF TRADE REPRESENTATIVES AND COMMISSIONERS (Polish: ORGAN FEDERACJI ZRZESZEŃ PRZEDSTAWICIELI HANDLOWYCH I KOMISANTÓW) || EDITORIAL OFFICE I ADMINISTRATION: | WARSAW, 16 KRÓLEWSKA STREeT. | Phone numbers: 522-26, 652 -55. | P. K. O. checking account. 19.218.
Stain marks visible on the card.
Dating of the letter ambiguous: most likely 2/11 1938 - although the date appears to be 2/II 1938 or 21/II 1938, the month should be read as 11, as a February date is impossible due to the day before yesterday's premiere of the film “Strachy” (Fears), discussed in the letter, which occurred on 31 October 1938. It was a film produced by Spółdzielnia Autorów Filmowych (Film Authors' Cooperative), directed by Eugeniusz Cękalski and Karol Szołowski, based on a script by them and Stanisław Wohl - Leon Perl's son-in-law at the time; co-writer Tadeusz Wittlin, Emanuel Schlechter, cameramen: Stanisław Wohl, Adolf Forbert. Content of the letter (spelling and punctuation have been partly updated): My Dear! It's a pity that you write so rarely and laconically. We would like to know how you have organised your stay in Paris in terms of certain preparations for consolidating your position towards earning opportunities. For this, apart from a thorough knowledge of the language, you need relationships in French circles. Are you establishing them for yourself? Have you visited Erbstein [?] and relatives? It never hurts to have acquaintances. I spoke with Szwalbe. Two of the three articles are in the print shop. He asks you not to send political articles, but only financial and economic ones. If political considerations interest you now, perhaps you could try to submit something to [Kurier?] Polski (the “Polish Courier”) or IKC [Ilustrowany Kurier Codzienny] (the “Illustrated Daily Courier”). If you decide on Polski, send it to me, and as for the IKC, send it directly, try and see if it works. We're preparing the jubilee issue, the advertisement is being collected, but we're still a long way from the 10,000, because so far there's a pledge for around 3,000 zlotys. And we are already at a loss of over 2,000 zlotys. Friede [presumably Maksymilian Friede - an economic activist, commercial judge, president of the Federation of Trade Representatives of the Republic of Poland, councillor of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry] has lost his energy a little, or perhaps he's preoccupied with other matters, this will soon affect his influence. Nevertheless, I sent you your 100 zlotys, 702.70 Frs. [Swiss francs?], which you've probably already received. I've received 30 zlotys from Mr B. via postal money order. I'll settle it with the next order. Nothing's changed at home. The housing matter is on hold; in fact, there's neither the humour nor the courage to relocate and make changes. The day before yesterday was the premiere of “Strachy” (Fears). Stach [Wohl, see explanation in the introduction to the note] was so nervous that he had a stomach ache. But it seems that the film has been successful. I haven't watched it yet, but it's said to be very positively received in professional circles. If that's the case, serious prospects may open up for Staś, as long-term producers have so far lacked trust in him. However, for the time being, they are broke, constantly without money, which isn't surprising, as Stach isn't only the operator, but also the financial director, who incidentally also personally finances the films. On the occasion of the premiere, they drank honestly two days in a row, and today Staś will have the opportunity to relax his nerves, as he had to go digging because of his alternative service. So write a little more extensively, seek out relationships and acquaintances, and also stay strong and be cautious... with the ladies. Kisses Leon
