4 Whitehall Court, London, S.W.1. - [In response to a request for assistance with securing the safety of Heinrich Swoboda and his family, see 7/194, 7/199, 16/209] 'No: let them all perish now as far as I am concerned: I am pumped dry and can do no more'. Is sorry, as S[woboda] is a 'very worthy object of assistance', but there is nothing to be done 'against a wholesale political persecution short of declaring war'.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Tovey's old friend Dr Heinrich Swoboda is in danger; he has recently been 'hoofed out of his post' as the equivalent of Adrian Boult at Radio Prague, and now he and his wife want to escape while there is time; he thinks of going to Buenos Aires. Swoboda conducted the first Sunday concert [of the Reid Orchestra] recently, just before he had 'warning of trouble'. Robert Mayer is organising a subscription to raise 250 pounds to get Swoboda and his wife across, though Swoboda does not know of this; the Toveys have put in 25 pounds; does not know how the fund is doing. Wonders if Bessie could invite Swoboda to the Shiffolds: he is 'just the kind of musician [they] all thoroughly enjoy', and though 'naturally depressed and nervous... very clear-headed... and very good company'.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Gives an address for Dr Heinrich Swoboda, who will take whichever train would be most convenient for the Trevelyans on Friday if Bessie gives him details. Swoboda knows little English, but otherwise is 'very well-informed, & one of the best all-round musicians' Tovey knows; his 'sensibilities to other arts are much more developed than [Tovey's]'. Swoboda is 'on tenterhooks' about his visa to get out of Prague; Tovey does not know how [Robert] Mayer's fund for him has prospered; Swoboda may know more by the time he sees Bessie.
The White Gates, Westcott Road, Dorking. - Thanks Bessy for her letter and Bob's message. Glad she thought the choir sang well; thinks considering the three days [of the Leith Hill Music Festival?] together they were 'better than usual'. Encloses a 'small sum for the "Swoboda" Fund [see 7/194, 7/199]; suggests asking Mrs [Cécile] Fleischl for a contribution, but request that she does not mention his own name.