Berlin, Germany

Adolph Jerome Bennett stationery — typed

Dear Sweetheart,

Monday evening I went to the Staatsoper and saw an evening of Ballet. This of course was the German State Ballet, and so it was infinitely better than the company I saw Saturday evening at the Stadtitsche opera – City Opera. But then, any ballet company would have been better.

I saw Don Juan with music by Gluck, Daphnis and Chloe by Ravel and the Bolero, also by Ravel. The music and the way it was played throughout the program was excellent. As regards the ballet company itself, well it doesn't compare with the Paris Opera, although it was very good. The chorus particularly did not compare with the Paris company. On top of that the whole program was so very sensual that I was somewhat uncomfortable. It was a program we should see together, but not apart. I felts with a Russian officer. Full Colonel. He autographed the Russian program. Was in the Russian Army 26 years.

Yesterday morning I was invited to attend the Memorial Service at the Jewish Displaced Persons camp nearby by a friend of mine in the Joint Distribution Committee. It turned out that Gen. Clay and Ambassador Murphy were there and they said a few words after the service. Well, I entered this building – one story mess hall – and there was a mob of people. The men chocked the place so much it seemed that they were almost standing on each others' feet. The women were at the other

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end of the building. As crowded as it was when I came in they immediately gave me a seat – naturally only because I am an American, – and I sat next to a young man from the Jewish Agency in Palestine. The service had been started before I had arrived, but in about a half hour the time came to say the traditional words about the loss of a mother, father, etc. Well, there must have been about 7-800 DPs there and never in my whole life have I heard anything to compare with what happened. Everyone knew the service – the service is built up for that section – but the ensuing wailing, the crying that went on I shall never forget. These were the remnants of the thousands tens of upon thousands of Jews who perished under Hitler and they couldn't help but vocally mourn the loss of their close ones who died so tragically and painfully. It was the whimpering of hurt animals, of Mothers and Fathers who see the XXXXXXX scene of their children being torn away and butchered. Of Brothers and Sisters who saw the waisting away, without hope of rescue, of their parents. It was a most moving few minutes. And I, I stood there wiping away tears, blowing my nose vigorously, and feeling that but for the grace of God I and my beloved ones might have been in the very same position, and my heart went out to them.

And then it was the routine I have fallen into here. Drop around to this organizational secretary and see what is what. Come back to-morrow. Well, I think I shall return to Frankfurt this evening for I can't do anything till the Manpower committee acts upon my recommendation.

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Last night I went again to the Staatsopera and saw Tales of Hoffman. It has been newly revived and completely staged anew. Offenbach was a Jew and consequently it wasn't performed under Hitler.

It is not an opera in the strict sense of the word, but rather a fantasy as the program mentions. That being the case the accent is a great deal upon stage tricks and lighting. To such an extent that too much of one's attention is directed toward seeing how they do it. But withal the singing by practically all of the xcast was so very good. The orchestra, which is continuously and without fail excellent, is always a joy. So it was a very enjoyable evening.

The evening was capped by a lift back, I had come downtown by the U Bahn – the subway – and was very glad I could go back in a jeep. The Capt. who gave me the lift invited me into his mess hall, and there I had two Canadian Clubs and a steak dinner. Needless to say it was a pleasure and very friendly on his part. From there I went to my hotel, and that was that.

I phone Mac in Frankfurt, every day and so I know there is quite a bit of mail waiting for me. Good. I enjoy reading your letters so very much, Jeandear. You, who are a constant joy and delight to me, in are always in my thoughts, in all ways. I pray that our separation will not be for much longer.

Your devoted husband,

Dolph