Description:Many of Duchess Millicent’s papers from the 1940s reflect a preoccupation with the war in Europe and its impact on life in Britain.
Amongst Duchess Millicent’s foreign correspondence are many letters from Canada and from friends of hers who had emigrated to Canada. Notable amongst these is a letter dated 2nd March 1940 from Toronto. The letter appears to be from a man named Karl
Muhlberg who was of Austrian and, the letter indicates, possibly of Jewish origin.
Karl writes ‘everyday when I start to read the newspapers, I think first at you, when I read about war in France…I am disturbed that you also got ration cards. In case as you have not enough food, please write me soon and I will try to send you what you need. I suppose the best would be in some form of conserves?’
The letter reflects the atmosphere of fear and apprehension amongst people at this time, and indicates that everyone in Britain, even people of a prestigious social position, were subject to similar restrictions on food.
The letter also reveals contemporary attitudes to refugees in the 1940s. Karl writes ‘There are very few Austrians or Vienesse here and I do not keep strong contact with them as you never can look inside. I want to have my peace. In the first days when I start my business my firm-shild [shop sign] was one night damaged and I suppose it was the work done by some secret Nazis.’