Читать книгу The Times Great War Letters: Correspondence during the First World War - James Owen - Страница 27

SWISS RESORTS FOR THE WOUNDED

9 December 1914

SIR,—WILL YOU KINDLY permit me to contradict the rumours more or less prevalent to the effect that St. Moritz and the other resorts in the Engadine will not be open to visitors this winter owing to the war? St. Moritz already has a fair number of its old patrons, and although it is not expected that the season will be a full one, still the conditions now prevailing ought to encourage those who wish to enjoy their usual holiday in the High Alps to do so under favourable circumstances. Perhaps the following facts might help to dispel all hesitation:—(1) The journey out by Paris, Lyons, Culoz, and Geneva with sleeping cars is short and comfortable. Passengers may take as much luggage with them as they please. (2) There need be no fear whatever with regard to the supply of provisions; food of all sorts is abundant in Switzerland; the same may be said with regard to fuel, and there will be no lack of servants. (3) An English chaplain is already in residence at St. Moritz. (4) There are no difficulties about money; English cheques are cashed at the current rate of exchange. (5) The skating and curling rinks will be efficiently maintained as in previous years.

The hotels at St. Moritz are throwing open their doors in a very hospitable fashion to our wounded and invalid officers. A certain number of these will be received gratis, the others at merely nominal charges, and the local medical men are generously offering their professional services free. There will be no subscriptions demanded from officers for the use of rinks, or any outdoor or indoor amusements. I may here mention that the Swiss Government offers a warm welcome to our soldiers, provided they do not appear in our own uniform, and the War Office offers no objection whatever to their going.

Any officers wishing, therefore, to avail themselves of the opportunity presented to them of recruiting health and strength in the splendid climate of the Engadine are requested to apply to Georgina Countess of Dudley, British Red Cross Society, 83, Pall-mall.

I am, Sir, yours truly,

J. FRANK HOLLAND, M.D., H.B.M. Consul