Extermination Camp Auschwitz-Birkenau – The Singer family tragedy

Walter Singer’s final letter to his brother Arnold is dated April 2, 1943. He wrote, “After receiving your kind lines of 15. November I have unfortunately heard nothing more from you in spite of various letters to you, which makes me very uneasy. Today I will tell you only that your journey to Sweden has been permitted. The respective information to me of 24. March by the Swedish Foreign Ministry translates as follows: ‘The Office of the Royal Foreign Ministry for foreign passport opportunities has the honor of informing you that the Royal Swedish Embassy in Berlin has been notified thereof in writing that on the part of the Foreign Ministry no hindrance exists for the preparation of Arnold Singer’s entry permit for residency in Sweden, valid for three months.’ Of course, permission will be extended if necessary.” The letter was sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, and canceled at Stockholm on April 3, where it also acquired a green currency control label. Upon arrival at Luckau on April 10, it was forwarded to Auschwitz. On April 12 it arrived at Auschwitz, and was marked “Not accepted by the concentration camp” and “Return to Sender.” Along the way it was opened by censors at Berlin, who tested both the letter and the envelope with chemicals to check for secret writing in invisible ink.