6722
Draft of a letter addressed to Nany (in Vierville) by Jean Cordelle
"Rosario 16 September 1936 My dear Nany
The idea we are making of the situation in France, by the newspapers, by the news we receive, is wrongly or rightly, increasingly pessimistic; we have the impression, at times, that everything can happen. Therefore it is a constant concern for us to see our children separated from us and perhaps exposed to serious dangers, and also to have to take on such a great responsibility. It is therefore, following the news of these last days, events of Espgne, new strikes in France etc., and after having spoken about it with Jean (Jean Hausermann) Our first idea was to bring the children back to Argentina immediately, fearing that if we wait too long for events to come and then it is no longer time to do so. Of course, it is not without great hesitation that we would resolve to make such a serious decision, because after making sacrifices to educate the children without wasting them time, it would be in the best case to make them lose one year; the difficulties for studies in Rosario are always the same; even if we admit that François is being given the French baccalaureate in Montevideo or Buenos Aires (from next year it will be possible) it will probably lose him a year because of the timing.
This is our first idea; perhaps you will find that we are overly pessimistic and that the situation does not involve such extreme measures. On the spot, you may have a more accurate opinion. But if your opinion is consistent with ours, then all I have to do is make the necessary arrangements for the departure of children, I will tell you later. If there is any obvious exaggeration or if there is reason to hesitate, let us exchange our ideas by letter; If it's urgent, let's exchange them by telegram or telephone (you could do it from the central office in Caen if the Paris-Caen phone line is good, we would go to Buenos Aires. By telegram you would tell us the time and place where you would expect our phone call - in principle it would be between 2:30 and 6 pm French summer time)
In the event that the children's journey is decided, we would like them to leave by an English boat, by Cherbourg. There is a departure from Cherbourg (Royal Mail) every 15 days on Saturday, so on October 3 ("Alcantara"), on October 17 ("Almanzora") etc. In case of emergency the others, there is one by Boulogne. It would be enough to take them a second class ticket (the question of going back is to see, I think it is not possible because in case of non-use of the return one can get it reimbursed) one has to find easily a cabin for them both. The ticket can certainly be taken in Paris or Cherbourg, if it is in Paris the Hersent house will certainly take care of it. As far as the papers are concerned, the children have their passport, the visa can be given by the Argentine consul of Cherbourg as well as by the one of Paris; the Argentinean card of identity must be produced, and the Argentine police certificate. Cherryer 17 Bander Street is aware of all the steps he has taken for his son and grandson, and will not ask for any better than to help you, both for the ticket and for the passport.
We do not want to be too pessimistic or make a hasty decision, but we must consider the worst and know what we will do. By the same mail I write to Mom and Gabriel Dessus, so that you can consult and help you in whatever they can. In any case if we are still waiting, I think it is good that the children have their papers ready, the passports targeted. It would be good to take the information from the Navigation Companies. Similarly, it is a very simple precaution for you to take a passport. In the case of foreign war, without internal disturbances, Vierville seems safe. In the case of internal disturbances, this seems far less appropriate.
Here opinions are very shared, French people have brought their children back, others, after having brought them back to France. Argentina itself is not immune from any incident, although political conflicts are infinitely less acute than in Europe.
[A sentence that was barred on the draft: "For you and the Chedals, after talking to John, we are planning your departure from France, either for Greece or for England, or even here where we would be happy to see you. Jean must talk to you about it at a longer time."]
Then an illegible sentence, and the rest of the draft:
If we hope nothing is pressing, send a telegram Hersent Rosario -letter follow - We will know as you wrote to us. I hope the end of the holidays is going well with the whole family in good health.
Attached 25 pesos that can be used by children.
Of course you can take all the money needed to account, and even sell Port Rosario shares if necessary.