Oppenheimer, Frida Sara

Dear Mrs. Steve! Has [the devotional/religious matter?] [returned/come back] again! Greetings, Mina

Lb. Frau Steve! Hat sich Andächtiges [?] wieder ab! Grüße Mina

This brief, faint pencil note appears to be a quick personal message from Mina Kaufmann to a "Mrs. Steve" — likely a friend or neighbor. The note is largely illegible due to the light pencil writing and age of the document. It was preserved among the Oppenheimer immigration papers, suggesting it was jotted on the back of one of the documents being assembled for the visa application. The casual, abbreviated tone contrasts with the formal legal documents surrounding it, offering a glimpse of the everyday social interactions that continued alongside the urgent immigration work.

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA } STATE OF NEW YORK } SS COUNTY OF NEW YORK } I, Samuel Morris, being duly sworn, depose and say: That I reside at 200 West 86 Street, New York City. That in December, 1938, I filed an affidavit of support in favor of Mr. Julius Oppenheimer and wife Mrs. of Alfonsstrasse 1, Munich, Germany, who applied for immigration visas to the United States under the German quota. That I have been informed by the applicants that I should submit additional proofs and that, therefore, I enclose a statement from the Equitable Life Insurance Society showing the cash value of policy #551462 to be $1,016.00. That I have a joint bank account with my wife, Mrs. Ethel Morris, at the National City Bank of New York City, 79th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. That I am very anxious indeed to help Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer, since my father was in Germany before he came to this country; that being in very bad circumstances, he received great help from the parents of the above, Mr. and Mrs. Josef Oppenheimer. That I am only too glad to show my gratitude to his children and that I will do everything to make their life in the United States a happy one. That I promise hereby to take Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer into my own home, giving them full board and lodging for an indefinite time; that I will take care of all their other expenses, such as medical care and hospitalization, if necessary, and will give them a weekly allowance of $10.00 for their personal needs besides full board and lodging.

This updated affidavit from Samuel Morris expands significantly on his earlier letters (0003/0005) and provides crucial genealogical information. Morris reveals that his father had been helped by "Mr. and Mrs. Josef Oppenheimer" — Julius's parents — when the elder Morris was in dire circumstances in Germany. This confirms that the Oppenheimer family's reputation for generosity extended back at least one generation, to Josef Oppenheimer (Julius's father, b. ~1860s in Gemmingen). Morris's gratitude is deeply personal and intergenerational: the Oppenheimers helped his father, and now he wishes to repay that debt by rescuing their son and daughter-in-law. His financial documentation includes an Equitable Life Insurance policy (#551462) worth $1,016 and a joint bank account with his wife Ethel Morris at the National City Bank (79th and Amsterdam — the same bank branch used by Mina Kaufmann in 0011). His promise of full board, lodging, medical care, hospitalization, and $10/week ($215/week today) represents the most comprehensive support package offered by any sponsor.

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[Most of page blank — text from page 1 visible as bleed-through] That I have an income which easily allows me to undertake this responsibility, since I have to support only my wife and my 17 years old son. That my daughter whom I supported a year ago, has got married in the meantime and is supported by her husband. ./.

The conclusion of Samuel Morris's updated affidavit adds personal biographical detail: he supports only his wife and 17-year-old son, and his daughter has recently married and is now supported by her husband — reducing his financial obligations and strengthening his ability to sponsor the Oppenheimers. The "./" notation at the bottom indicates the document continues (likely with a notary page or additional enclosures that were filed separately). Morris's address at 200 West 86th Street — in the same block as Mina Kaufmann at 145 West 86th Street — reinforces the tight geographic cluster of the rescue network on the Upper West Side.

This is an invoice from the Tausig Service Corporation, a service agency at 29 West 46th Street, New York, billing Miss Mina Kaufmann at 145 West 86th Street, New York City, for the filing of three affidavits of support in favor of the Kaufmann-Oppenheimer family. The affidavits were filed by Mina Kaufmann, Samuel Morris, and Mrs. Ketz, each costing $3.00. An additional $0.51 was charged for photostatic copies, for a total of $9.51. A handwritten notation "erhalten" (German for "received") with a signature and the date November 7, 1939 confirms payment.

Bryant 9-2525 TAUSIG SERVICE CORPORATION 29 West 46th Street New York November 6, 1939 To Miss Mina Kaufmann 145 West 86 Street New York City. 120 Affidavit filed by Miss Kaufmann in favor of Kaufmann – Oppenheimer $3.00 " " " Mr. Sam Morris " " Kaufmann & Oppenheimer $3.00 " " " Mrs. Ketz " " Kaufmann & Oppenheimer $3.00 Fee for photostatic copies as per enclosed bill $0.51 ----- $9.51 erhalten [received] [Signature: Wohl…] Nov. 7, 1939

This invoice documents the immigration sponsorship efforts on behalf of Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer. In 1939, Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany needed American sponsors to file affidavits of support — sworn statements guaranteeing financial responsibility — in order to obtain immigration visas. Mina Kaufmann (née Weiler), a cousin already in New York, coordinated multiple affidavits through the Tausig Service Corporation, a firm that assisted refugees with immigration paperwork. Three separate sponsors — Mina herself, Samuel Morris, and a Mrs. Ketz — each filed affidavits. The total cost of $9.51 (approximately $200 in today's money) underscores the bureaucratic expenses involved in the emigration process. The German notation "erhalten" on an American business invoice reflects the bilingual world of German-Jewish refugees in New York.

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA } STATE OF NEW YORK } SS COUNTY OF NEW YORK } The American Consul General Stuttgart, Germany. Sir: re: Application for Immigration Visas on German quota, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer, Alfonsstr.1, Munich. The above applicants inform me that additional proofs for my good will are required before the visas can be issued. I wish to stress that although I am not related to the prospective immigrants, the tie of friend- ship which unites our families is much stronger than any family tie. I like Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer very much indeed and I also feel that here at last, I have an occasion to show them my gratitude for everything that their family did in its time for my own father. My wife, my son and myself live in a six rooms apartment and we have set aside one room for Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer. Everything is prepared for them to make them feel really at home when they come to stay with us. I promised already to give them besides full board and lodging, $10.00 (ten Dollars) weekly for pocket-money so that they can provide them- selves for all their expenses. I have a very good income and I prefer this way of providing for them, instead of putting up the money on the bank. Please, consider once more the Affidavit and proofs submitted in November, 1939. I feel certain that I have met with all requirements and I will be glad to receive the news I may send them the necessary transportation. Thanking you for your kind consideration, I beg to remain, Respectfully yours, Samuel Morris 200 West 86 Street [partially visible]

This is a powerful letter from Samuel Morris, a New York resident, to the American Consul General in Stuttgart, supplementing his affidavit of support for Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer's immigration visa application. Morris emphasizes that while not a blood relative, the bond between the families is "much stronger than any family tie" — the Oppenheimer family had helped his own father in the past, and he now wishes to repay that debt. He details concrete plans: a room set aside in his six-room apartment, full board and lodging, and $10 per week in pocket money (about $215/week today). His address at 200 West 86th Street places him in the same Upper West Side neighborhood as Mina Kaufmann (145 West 86th Street), suggesting a close-knit community of German-Jewish immigrants coordinating rescue efforts. The Oppenheimers were living at Alfonsstrasse 1, Munich, at the time of this application. The letter's urgent, personal tone — and its reference to proofs "submitted in November, 1939" — reflects the increasingly desperate race against time as war had already broken out in Europe.

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- 2 - That I wish to add that this is the first Affidavit of support — besides that for Mrs. Klara Kaufmann, submitted at the same time — which has been signed by me. That I have been informed that Mr. Julius Oppenheimer is suffering from varicose veins and that Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer is suffering from rheumatism, and that I maintain my Affidavit nevertheless. ________________________ Samuel Morris Sworn to and subscribed before me, a Notary Public, in and for said County, this day of November, 1939. ________________________ Notary Public.

This second page of Samuel Morris's affidavit contains two significant statements. First, he declares that this is his first affidavit of support (apart from one simultaneously filed for Mrs. Klara Kaufmann), addressing the consulate's concern about sponsors overextending themselves with multiple guarantees. Second, and more poignantly, he acknowledges being informed of the Oppenheimers' health conditions — Julius suffering from varicose veins and Elsa from rheumatism — and explicitly states he maintains his sponsorship "nevertheless." This was a critical declaration: U.S. consulates routinely denied visas to immigrants with health conditions, fearing they would become public charges. By acknowledging the conditions and reaffirming his commitment, Morris was directly countering a common ground for visa refusal. The mention of Klara Kaufmann receiving a parallel affidavit connects to the broader family rescue network visible across this correspondence folder.

This is a printed receipt form issued to M. Kaufmann, documenting a payment received from the Jewish Refugees Committee in the amount of £266, 11 shillings, and 1 penny. The payment is described as "Repayment of deposit re: Julius & Elsa Oppenheimer." The receipt is dated November 30, 1939, and marked as "B" account.

No. [illegible] M. Kaufmann 30 NOV 1939 19 Received from JEWISH REFUGEES COMMITTEE the sum of Two hundred & sixty six Pounds eleven Shillings and one Pence Repayment of deposit re: — Julius & Elsa Oppenheimer £266-11-1. PLEASE RETURN RECEIPTED. "B" A/c

This receipt reveals that Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer's emigration from Nazi Germany involved transit through England, facilitated by the Jewish Refugees Committee — a British organization that assisted Jewish refugees. The substantial sum of £266/11/1 (equivalent to roughly £18,000–£20,000 today) was a deposit or bond required by the British government as a guarantee that refugees would not become a public charge. The repayment to M. Kaufmann (likely Mina Kaufmann, the family's American cousin and principal sponsor) suggests that the deposit was returned after Julius and Elsa either departed England for their final destination or met other conditions. This document connects to the parallel American affidavit process documented in 0001, showing the two-track emigration effort — British transit permits and American immigration visas — being coordinated simultaneously in late 1939.

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ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE DEPARTMENT AND NOT TO INDIVIDUALS JEWISH REFUGEES COMMITTEE FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT. TELEPHONE No.: BLOOMSBURY HOUSE, MUSEUM 2900 BLOOMSBURY STREET, LONDON, W.C.1. CODES: REFUGEES, WESTCENT, LONDON Ref. No. SL/JH/RN 5th December, 1939. Miss Mina Kaufmann, 143, West 86th Street, NEW YORK CITY, U.S.A. Dear Madam, re: OPPENHEIMER, Julius & Elsa. M/26906. At the request of Dr. Hans L. Lehmann, we send you herewith our cheque for £266: 11: 1d being refund in full settlement of the amount deposited by him. Kindly acknowledge receipt on the attached form. Yours faithfully, Financial Secretary. Encl:

This letter from the Jewish Refugees Committee at Bloomsbury House, London — the central hub for Jewish refugee assistance in Britain — confirms the refund of £266/11/1 previously deposited on behalf of Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer (case number M/26906). The refund was requested by Dr. Hans L. Lehmann, who had originally deposited the funds as a financial guarantee for the Oppenheimers' stay in England. The cheque was sent to Mina Kaufmann in New York, connecting the London and New York branches of the family's rescue network. This letter is the companion document to the receipt in 0002, which records the same amount. Bloomsbury House at Bloomsbury Street, WC1, served as the headquarters for multiple Jewish refugee organizations during the war years, coordinating transit, sponsorship, and resettlement for thousands of refugees. The reference number M/26906 and Dr. Lehmann's involvement suggest a structured process through which guarantors could reclaim deposits once refugees had moved on from Britain.

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[Reverse side of letter — Jewish Refugees Committee letterhead visible in reverse through the paper] [Handwritten pencil calculations, center of page:] 2/ 2/6 3/4[?] 10/6

The reverse of the Jewish Refugees Committee letter bears faint pencil calculations, likely noting currency amounts in British shillings and pence notation (e.g., 2/, 2/6, 3/4, 10/6). These may represent miscellaneous expenses or currency conversion notes related to the Oppenheimer case. The informal jottings on the back of official correspondence were typical of the era, when paper was used economically.

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[Postmark circle:] NEW YORK, N.Y. / FEB 6 / 11-AM / 1940 [Machine slogan cancel:] BUY U.S. SAVINGS BONDS / ASK YOUR [postal clerk?] [3-cent Thomas Jefferson stamp, purple] Miss Mina Kaufmann 145 West 86th Str. Apt 7. D New-York City.

This envelope was addressed to Mina Kaufmann at her apartment at 145 West 86th Street, Apt. 7D, New York City. Despite the New York postmark of February 6, 1940, the return address on the reverse (0010) identifies the sender as Arthur Baer of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The letter was likely forwarded or re-mailed within New York after arriving from Europe. The machine cancel promoting U.S. Savings Bonds was a standard postal slogan of the period. Arthur Baer's involvement from Rotterdam connects to the broader network of European contacts assisting with the Oppenheimer emigration — Rotterdam was a major port of departure for transatlantic crossings, and Baer may have been involved in arranging the Oppenheimers' transit through the Netherlands.

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ARTHUR BAER ROTTERDAM Rochussenstr. 57a Tel. 84240

The reverse of the envelope reveals the sender: Arthur Baer, residing at Rochussenstrasse 57a in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with telephone number 84240. The stamped return address (rather than handwritten) suggests Baer was an established resident or businessman in Rotterdam. Rotterdam was one of the last major ports still operating for transatlantic passenger ships in early 1940 — just months before the German invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940 would close this escape route permanently. Baer's correspondence with Mina Kaufmann in New York in February 1940 may relate to arranging transit or shipping passage for the Oppenheimers through Rotterdam. The fate of Arthur Baer himself after the German occupation of the Netherlands in May 1940 is unknown from this document alone.

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THE NATIONAL CITY BANK OF NEW YORK 86th St. BRANCH NEW YORK. 3-20-40. 19 Received from Miss Mina Kaufman. The following: Fifteen dollars ($15.00) cash plus $1000 check of Harlem Savings Bank to be order endorsed. To be used to open credit in favor of Julius Oppenheimer. THE NATIONAL CITY BANK OF NEW YORK BY [Signature: G. Leogla [?]] S.F. 1013 PS 1-39 SC

This bank receipt documents a critical step in the Oppenheimer emigration: Mina Kaufmann depositing $1,015 ($15 in cash plus a $1,000 check from Harlem Savings Bank) at the National City Bank's 86th Street branch to open a letter of credit in favor of Julius Oppenheimer. This letter of credit would have served as proof of financial support for the American immigration authorities and could also be used to purchase transatlantic passage. The amount of $1,000 in 1940 (approximately $22,000 today) was a substantial sum, demonstrating the significant financial commitment required from sponsors. The Harlem Savings Bank check suggests Mina had savings specifically set aside for this purpose. The 86th Street branch location is consistent with the Upper West Side German-Jewish community where Mina and other sponsors lived.

ARTHUR BAER MANNHEIM. Sheet to the letter of to April 1, 1940 Dear Mina! As I already wrote to you, the Munich people sent 5 suitcases and 4 crates here, and through my good connections with the Holland America Line I managed to have these things shipped to N.Y. at a reduced freight rate. However, I had to name a former passenger of this company as the recipient — I specifically named Max O. I am now sending you enclosed the inventory lists sent to me from Munich, so that you are at least somewhat informed. Have Max authorize you to receive the suitcases and crates on his behalf, and he can declare everything as his own property so that customs duty etc. is avoided. You will just have to see where you store the things — perhaps the local aid society has a storage room, so that there is no or only minimal storage fee. It concerns 5 suitcases J.O. 1, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 4 crates 6963 Couch [and] blankets, bedding etc. 6964 Household goods 6965 " 0066 Kitchen items etc. Suitcase 1 contains clothes and shoes 10 " " linens etc. 12 " " " 14 } Family pictures, dishes etc. 15 }

ARTHUR BAER MANNHEIM. Blatt zum Briefe vom an 1. 4. 40 L. Mina! Wie Dir bereits geschrieben haben die Münchener 5 Koffer u 4 Kisten hier- geschickt und habe ich auf meinen guten Beziehungen zur Holland America Linie es fertiggebracht, daß diese Sachen zu ermäßigter Fracht nach N.Y. verschafft werden, allerdings mußte ich einem früheren Passagier dieser Gesellschaft als Empfänger ausgeben, genas habe die Max O. genannt. Ich übersende Dir nun anbei die mir von München zugesandten [Inhalt?] Verzeichnisse damit Ihr wenigstens einigermaßen im Bilde seid. Laß Dir von Max bevollmächtigen die Koffer u. Kisten für ihn in Empfang zu nehmen u. kann er ja all sein Eigentum deklarieren, damit Zoll etc. erspart bleibt. Du mußt eben sehen, wo du die Sachen aufbewahrest, vielleicht hat das dortige Hilfsverein einen Lagerraum, damit es nicht oder nur wenig Lagergebühr kostet. Es handelt sich um 5 Koffer J.O. 1, 10, 12, 14, 15 und 4 Kisten 6963 Couch [u.] Decken Betten etc 6964 Haushaltungsgegenstände 6965 " 0066 Küche etc Koffer 1 enthält Kleider u. Schuhe 10 " " Wäsche etc 12 " " " 14 } Familienbilder Geschirr etc 15 }

This letter reveals the logistical complexity of rescuing not just people but their possessions from Nazi Germany. Arthur Baer, writing from Rotterdam on old Mannheim letterhead (he had himself fled Germany), coordinated the shipment of the Oppenheimers' belongings — 5 suitcases and 4 crates — from Munich to New York via the Holland America Line. He used his personal connections to secure reduced freight rates, and employed a subterfuge: listing a former passenger named "Max O." as the recipient to avoid customs duties, essentially declaring the goods as personal property rather than an immigrant shipment. The detailed inventory (bedding, household goods, kitchen items, clothes, family photographs, dishes) represents the material remnants of a lifetime being shipped across the Atlantic. The mention of the "Hilfsverein" (Jewish aid society) for possible storage space in New York shows the ongoing reliance on community organizations. Baer's role as an intermediary in Rotterdam — the last major Dutch port before the German invasion of May 1940 — adds urgency to the timeline.

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[Handwritten annotations at top:] 4 Kisten } u. zwar 6963. 6964. 6965. 0066. 5 Koffer } J.O. 1. 10. 12. 14. 15 No. 621 RECEIVED $66.43 {125.14} EMPFANGEN 0.10 zegel [stamp tax] from Mr. A. Baer von Passenger per S.S. ________ Passagier per Dampfer Date _______ 19__ Classe Abfahrt Klasse for Excess baggage according to the respective Clause of the Passenger ticket. für Gepäcküberfracht gemäss der betreffenden Klausel der Fahrkarte. Baggage weighing 949 K.G. minus ___ K.G. = 949 K.G. Gepäck wiegt to be paid for at $7.- per 100 K.G. zu bezahlen mit ROTTERDAM, April 4th 1940 HOLLAND AMERICA LINE per _______ [10 cent Dutch fiscal stamp affixed] 728 P. - 10 A. 50 bl68. I-40.

This bilingual Dutch/English receipt from the Holland America Line documents the shipment of the Oppenheimers' belongings from Rotterdam. Arthur Baer paid $66.43 (125.14 Dutch guilders) for 949 kilograms of excess baggage — nearly a metric ton of household goods — at a rate of $7 per 100 kg. The handwritten annotations at the top inventory the shipment: 4 crates (numbered 6963, 6964, 6965, 0066) and 5 suitcases (J.O. 1, 10, 12, 14, 15), matching the inventory in Arthur Baer's letter (0012). The receipt is dated April 4, 1940 — just five weeks before the German Wehrmacht invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, after which Rotterdam was devastated by bombing and the Holland America Line's passenger service was suspended. This receipt represents one of the last shipments to leave Rotterdam before the port was destroyed. The 10-cent Dutch fiscal stamp (zegel) affixed to the receipt was standard for commercial transactions in the Netherlands.

6963 ✓ Couch / blankets, bedding etc. 6964 ✓ Household goods 6965 ✓ " 0066 Kitchen items etc. Suitcase 1 ✓ Clothes and shoes 10 ✓ " Linens 12 ✓ " " 14 } Family pictures, dishes etc. 15 }

6963 ✓ Couch / Decken, Betten etc. 6964 ✓ Haushaltsgegenstände 6965 ✓ " 0066 Küche etc. Koffer 1 ✓ Kleider u. Schuhe 10 ✓ " Wäsche 12 ✓ " " 14 } Fam. Bilder, Geschirr etc. 15 }

This inventory checklist tracks the Oppenheimers' shipped possessions, matching the items described in Arthur Baer's letter (0012) and the Holland America Line receipt (0014). The checkmarks (✓) appear to indicate items that were received or verified upon arrival in New York. Three of four crates (6963, 6964, 6965) and three of five suitcases (1, 10, 12) are checked off, while crate 0066 (kitchen items) and suitcases 14 and 15 (family pictures and dishes, grouped together with a bracket) are not yet checked. This suggests either that not all items had arrived at the time of checking, or that some items were still in transit or storage. The contents paint a picture of an entire household being uprooted: furniture (a couch), bedding, kitchen equipment, clothing, linens, and most poignantly, family photographs — irreplaceable memories being shipped across an ocean ahead of their owners, who were still stranded in Europe.

Travel Report No. ________ from ________ Current location: ________ Date: ________ Next address: Place: ________ Hotel ________ until ________ Enclosed ________ Com. No. ________ Payments ________ Re: ________ 17 * Following: inventory of luggage from Munich [?] Crate 663 contains Couch and blankets, bedding etc. " 6964 " Household goods " 6965 " " " " 0066 Kitchen items etc. Suitcase J.O. 1 contains Clothes and shoes [?] " J.O. 10 " Linens etc. " J.O. 12 " " " J.O. 14 Family pictures, dishes etc. [?] " J.O. 15 Same [?] etc. [Calculations at bottom — possibly weight or cost figures:] 345 304 [?] 66 ___

Reise-Bericht Nr. ________ von ________ z. Zt. Ort: ________ Dat.: ________ Nächste Adresse: Ort: ________ Hotel ________ bis ________ Anliegend ________ Com. Nr. ________ Zahlungen ________ Betreff: ________ 17 * Nachfolgend Inhaltsverzeichnis des Gepäcks v. München [?] Kiste 663 enthält Couch u. Decken Betten etc. " 6964 " Haushaltungsgegenstände " 6965 " " " " 0066 Küche etc. Koffer J.O. 1 enthält Koffer Kleider u. Schuhe [?] " J.O. 10 " Wäsche etc. " J.O. 12 " " " J.O. 14 Familienbilder Geschirr etc. [?] " J.O. 15 Dasselbe [?] etc. [?] — [Calculations at bottom:] 345 304 [?] 66 ___

This inventory was written on a pre-printed German "Reise-Bericht" (Travel Report) form — a standard commercial sales or travel form repurposed as shipping documentation. The page number "17*" at the top right suggests it was part of a larger set of records. The inventory confirms the same 4 crates and 5 suitcases documented throughout this correspondence: crates 663/6963, 6964, 6965, and 0066 containing household goods, bedding, and kitchen items; suitcases J.O. (Julius Oppenheimer) 1, 10, 12, 14, and 15 containing clothing, shoes, linens, family photographs, and dishes. The calculations at the bottom may relate to weight (the total shipment weighed 949 kg per the Holland America Line receipt in 0014) or costs. The initials "J.O." on the suitcases — Julius Oppenheimer's monogram — are a personal detail that humanizes the shipping records.

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Customs Form 5101 TREASURY DEPARTMENT Arts. 1169½, 1212, 1268, C. R. 1937; T. D. 49832, 49833. April 1939 ENTRY RECORD Entry No. 8287 RECEIPT MISSING DOCUMENTS Impost No. ________ Miss Mina Kaufmann (Address) (Owner—Declared on entry) same [?] * (Entered in name of) (Date of entry) * [illegible] 4/17/40 (Conveyance) (Date of arrival) H.H. and personal effects (Description of merchandise) (Missing documents) I hereby make application to make entry prior to $_________ (Internal revenue tax) production of missing document(s) named above. $ 14.32 (Duty) (Signature) (See reverse side for instructions) 2—15636

This U.S. Customs form documents the arrival of the Oppenheimers' shipped belongings in New York on April 17, 1940 — just 13 days after Arthur Baer dispatched them from Rotterdam (see 0014). The shipment was declared by Mina Kaufmann as owner and described as "H.H. and personal effects" (household goods and personal effects). A customs duty of $14.32 was assessed, and entry number 8287 was assigned. The form notes "Missing Documents," indicating that some required paperwork (likely the bill of lading or detailed manifest) had not yet been produced at the time of entry. The relatively quick 13-day transit from Rotterdam to New York via the Holland America Line reflects the efficiency of the route — one of the last functioning transatlantic shipping corridors before the German invasion of the Netherlands closed it permanently on May 10, 1940.

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THE BOWERY SAVINGS BANK CHARTERED 1834 110 EAST 42ND STREET NEW YORK SAFE DEPOSIT DEPARTMENT April 20, 1940 Mr. Fritz Hausmann 6299 Elwell Crescent Forest Hills, Long Island Dear Mr. Hausmann: When you consider that you may keep all of your valuables together in a safe place for as little as $5 [a year plus] [text cut off]

This letter from The Bowery Savings Bank to Fritz Hausmann at 6299 Elwell Crescent, Forest Hills, Long Island, appears to be a marketing letter promoting safe deposit box services. While not directly related to the Oppenheimer immigration, it was preserved in the correspondence file and establishes the Hausmann family's address — the same location where Fanny Hausmann stored Julius Oppenheimer's luggage (see receipt in 0019). Fritz and Fanny Hausmann were evidently part of the German-Jewish refugee community in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, which had become a significant settlement area for Central European immigrants. Their willingness to store nearly a ton of the Oppenheimers' household goods in their home for months speaks to the communal solidarity among refugees and their supporters.

Receipt. Miss Dr. Mina Kaufmann paid for 5 months [storage of] the luggage of her uncle Julius Oppenheimer for the period from May 1 to October 1 [in the amount of] $10.— hereby confirmed Fanny Hausmann Forest Hills, May 30, 1940 6229 [or 6299] Elwell Crescent

Quittung. Frl. Dr. Mina Kaufmann zahlte für 5 Monate das Gepäck ihres Onkels Julius Oppenheimer für die Zeit vom 1. Mai bis 1. Okto- ber mit $10.— wird bescheint [bescheinigt] Fanny Hausmann Forest Hills, den 30. Mai 1940 6229 [or 6299] Elwell Crescent

This receipt documents that Fanny Hausmann of Forest Hills, Queens, stored Julius Oppenheimer's shipped luggage for five months (May 1 to October 1, 1940) at a cost of $10, paid by Mina Kaufmann. The address at Elwell Crescent in Forest Hills matches the Fritz Hausmann address on the Bowery Savings Bank letter (0020), confirming that Fanny and Fritz Hausmann were likely a married couple who were part of the extended support network. Mina Kaufmann is referred to as "Frl. Dr." (Fräulein Doktor — Miss Doctor), indicating she held a doctoral degree — an unusual distinction for a woman of that era. Julius Oppenheimer is described as Mina's uncle ("ihres Onkels"), confirming the family relationship. The fact that the luggage arrived in New York by April 17 (see 0016) but the Oppenheimers themselves had not yet arrived by May 30, 1940, underscores the agonizing gap between rescuing possessions and rescuing people.

hopefully everything arrives safely and doesn't cost you too much in repairs. Never mind about that. If we could now finally get the people themselves out, those are the great worries. By the way, enclosed is a letter from Munich for you. Write to me soon about how the application went, so that I can report back to Munich. Warm greetings, Arth[ur]. My telegram address: Colbois R'dam April 2, 1940: The inventory lists concerning [the shipment] are still pending, I'll send them along quickly. Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Munich. If you want to know something about us, contact Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Gröschel from Forchheim in Bavaria, address: c/o Silberberg, 3675 Broadway, Apt. 4. H., New York. The suitcases/crates can probably only be dispatched from here in about 14 days. April 4, 1940: Dear Mina, the Gröschel family is now taking the things there with them. Get in touch with Mr. Gröschel immediately in order to be able to receive the things, specifically [regarding] the papers, if such have been issued [?]. The freight there cost approximately $70 — and has been paid by me. Mr. Gröschel declares the things [as his property] as his own property and contents. [Additional annotations with dates and signatures]

hoffentlich kommt alles gut an und geht du nicht zu viel Reparaturen. Auf geben damit. Wenn wir jetzt auf mal endlich die Menschen selbst heraus bekämen dann das sind große Sorgen. Übrigens anbei ein Bf. von München für Dich. Schreibe mir bald, wie es mit dem Gesuch erging, damit ich nach München berichten kann. Hrzl Grüße Arth. Meine Telegramm Adresse: Colbois R'dam 2.4.40 Die Inhaltsverzeichnisse betreffend ist noch frei, lasse solche rasch folgen. Anbei Abschrift eines Briefes von München. Wende Dich event. wann du etwas über uns wissen willst an Herrn, Frau Bernhard Gröschel aus Forchheim i. Bayern die Adr. c/o Silberberg 3675 Broadway Apt. 4. H. N. York. Die Koffer/Kisten können vermutlich erst in ca 14 Tagen hier abgefertigt werden. 4.4.40 L. Mina Familie Gröschel nimmt nun die Sachen dort mit, setze Dich sofort mit Herrn Gröschel in Verbindung um die Sachen in Empfang nehmen zu können und zwar K.G. [?] die Papiere, wann so solche gesetzt [?] haben sollte. Die Fracht dorthin hat ca $70.— betragen und ist von mir bezahlt. Herr Gröschel deklariert die Sachen [several annotations and signatures] als sein Eigentum u. Inhalt [Additional handwritten annotations with dates and signatures, partially illegible]

This continuation letter, with its cascading postscript entries over several days (April 1, 2, and 4, 1940), captures the rapidly evolving logistics of the Oppenheimer property shipment. Arthur Baer's emotional aside — "If we could now finally get the people themselves out, those are the great worries" — reveals that while possessions could be shipped, the people themselves were still trapped. The plan evolved: rather than using the Holland America Line freight service alone, the Gröschel family (Bernhard Gröschel from Forchheim, Bavaria, now c/o Silberberg at 3675 Broadway, New York) would personally accompany the crates and suitcases, declaring them as their own property to avoid customs complications. The freight cost of $70 (about $1,500 today) was paid by Baer himself. His telegram address "Colbois R'dam" (Rotterdam) and the 14-day shipping estimate place this firmly in the final window before the German invasion of the Netherlands on May 10, 1940. The Gröschels were themselves recent refugees from Forchheim in Bavaria, now part of the broader network of German-Jewish émigrés helping each other from New York.

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA } STATE OF NEW YORK } SS COUNTY OF NEW YORK } The American Consul General Stuttgart, Germany. Sir: Application for Immigration Visas on German quota, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer, Alfonsstrasse 1, Munich, Germany. I beg to refer to the letter which your Office addressed to the above applicants on December 5th. Please, be good enough and note that a statement from my Public accountant was enclosed with the Affidavit which I sent in November, 1939. My age is [blank] years and I am very well able to support the prospective immigrants, nobody being dependent upon me, because my parents have died in the meantime. I feel sure that if you look over once more the proofs which I submitted, they will be found sufficient. Trusting that a kind consideration will be given in the very near future, I beg to remain, Respectfully yours, Mrs. Bertha Katz nee Falk 760 Grand Concourse Bronx, N.Y. Sworn to and subscribed before me, a Notary Public, in and for said County, this day of ________________________ Notary Public

This letter from Mrs. Bertha Katz (née Falk) of 760 Grand Concourse in the Bronx is a follow-up to her November 1939 affidavit of support. She references a letter from the Stuttgart consulate to the Oppenheimers dated December 5th, suggesting the consulate had raised questions about the sufficiency of her financial documentation. She reminds the consul that her public accountant's statement was already included and notes that she has no dependents since her parents have "died in the meantime" — a poignant detail that may refer to their deaths in Germany. Her age was left blank in this version (filled in as 51 in the retyped copy, 0023). Mrs. Katz is almost certainly the "Mrs. Ketz" listed on the Tausig Service Corporation invoice (0001), with the slight spelling variation typical of the period. Her address on the Grand Concourse — the prestigious main boulevard of the Bronx — and her use of a public accountant suggest financial stability. This letter represents yet another sponsor adding to the mounting paperwork in the Oppenheimers' visa file.

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United States of America) State of New York ) SS County of New York) The American Consul General Stuttgart, Germany. Sir Application for Immigration visas on German Quota, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer, Alfonsstr1, Munich, Germany I beg to refer to the letter which your office addressed to the above applicants on December 5 th. Please be good enough and note that a statement from my Public accountant was enclosed with the Affidavit I sent in November 1938= My age is 51 Years and I am very well able to support the prospect immigrants, nobody being dependent upon me, because my parents have died in the meantime. I feel sure that if you look over once more the proofs which I[f] submitted, they will be found sufficient. Trusting that a kind considera tion will be given in the very near future, I beg to remain, Respectfully Yours Mrs. Bertha Katz nee Faln [Falk] 760 Grand Concourse Bronx, N. Y. Sworn to and subscribed before me, a Notary Public, in and for said County, This day of Notary Public

This is a retyped clean copy of the letter in 0022, likely prepared for a second submission or for the sponsor's own records. The key difference is that her age is now given as 51 years (left blank in the original). There is also a minor discrepancy: this copy references "November 1938" rather than "November 1939" for the date of the original affidavit — likely a typographical error, as the Tausig Service Corporation invoice (0001) dates the affidavit filings to November 1939. The existence of two versions of the same letter reflects the meticulous documentation that sponsors maintained, knowing that any deficiency could delay or prevent the issuance of life-saving visas.

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United States of America, State of New York County of Kings, I, William Langerbein, being duly sworn, depose and say: That I reside with my wife Mrs. Ottilie Langerbein nee Mayer at 59 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. That I have resided in the United States for the past fifteen (15) years and that I am a citizen of the United States holding Certificate of Naturalization #.237,253 issued by the Southern District Court at New York on December 3, 1930. That I am a—37 years of age. That it is my intention and desire to have the following friends come and stay with my wife and me in the United States: Mr. Julius Israel Oppenheimer born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany on May 5th, 1882 and his wife Mrs. Elsa Sarah Oppenheimer — born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany on Febr. 14, 1894 both residing at Munich, Alfonsstr. 1 Germany. That both my wife and myself have known Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer for over 30 years, since we lived formerly in Germany in very close contact with our friends. That both Mr. and Mrs. Oppen- heimer consider our friendship as a very close tie between us, even closer than any relationship might be; in proof of which, Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer have taken care of my wife's parents for a long time , acting for them as if they were their children instead of their friends parents. That I promise hereby to give Mr. and Mrs.Julius Oppen- heimer full board and lodging after their arrival in the United States, and to take care of all their expenses — needs; that I do not wish to enumerate everything I am going to do for them, since I feel my obli- gation as a friend very strongly; that being elderly people, I do not expect them to earn their own living, but that I entirely wish to support them. That I am in a position to guarantee that Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer will never become a public charge, since I have nobody dependent on me— upon me for support, my wife being self — supporting. That I have a steady income of $36.40 with the Eagle Pencil Company, as proved by the enclosed statement. (Encl. 1) That I have a joint bank account with my wife at the Hamburg Savings —ank, showing a deposit of $3,172.24 (Encl.2)

This affidavit from William Langerbein of Brooklyn is one of the most detailed sponsorship documents in the collection. Langerbein, a naturalized U.S. citizen since 1930 (15 years in the country, age 37), provides key biographical data for both Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer: Julius born May 5, 1882, and Elsa born February 14, 1894, both in Gemmingen, Baden — confirming their birthplace and the 12-year age difference between them. Their Munich address at Alfonsstrasse 1 is consistent with the earlier documents. Langerbein's emotional language — that the friendship was "closer than any relationship" and that the Oppenheimers had "taken care of my wife's parents for a long time, acting for them as if they were their children" — reflects genuine personal obligation. His financial resources included employment at the Eagle Pencil Company ($36.40/week, roughly $40,000/year in today's money) and savings of $3,172.24 at the Hamburg Savings Bank. The document is dated February 1, 1941, over a year after the initial affidavits of November 1939, indicating that the visa process was still unresolved despite multiple sponsors and extensive documentation.

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That I also have a bank account with the Central Savings, showing a deposit of $1,027.47 (Encl.3). That I understand that the quota waiting number of the prospective immigrants has been reached and that I solicit therefore from the Hon. American Consul General in Stuttgart, Germany, a prompt granting of the United States quota immigration Visas William Langerbein Sworn to before me this 1st day of Febr, 1941 Ruth Weller United States of America, State of New York County of Kings I, Ottilie Langerbein nee Mayer, being duly sworn depose and say; that I join my husband William Langerbein in the promise he made herewith to receive and maintain Mr. and Mrs Julius Oppenheimer. That I wish to add that I am the owner of real estate, for which I enclose the proof (Encl. 4) That I wish to stress the fact that the prospective immigrants are my very best friends and that I long for the day of their arrival in the United States, to show them my gratitude for every- thing they did for my parents and to make their life a—happy in this country a really happy one Ottilie Langerbein nee Mayer Sworn to before me this 1st Day of February 1941

This continuation of the Langerbein affidavit contains two crucial elements. First, William Langerbein notes that the Oppenheimers' "quota waiting number has been reached" — meaning their number in the German immigration quota had finally come up after a long wait — and urgently requests prompt issuance of visas. This was a race against time: by February 1941, the window for emigration from Nazi-occupied Europe was rapidly closing. Second, Ottilie Langerbein (née Mayer) adds her own sworn statement, joining her husband's financial guarantee. Her emotional declaration — that she "longs for the day of their arrival" and wishes to "show them my gratitude for everything they did for my parents" — echoes the same sentiment of reciprocal obligation expressed by Samuel Morris (0003). The Oppenheimers had evidently been pillars of their community in Germany, helping multiple families who now, from America, were desperately trying to return the favor. Ottilie's ownership of real estate provided additional financial security for the affidavit. The notary, Ruth Weller, swore both statements on February 1, 1941, in Kings County (Brooklyn).

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Copy. New York, Febr. 4. 1941. Ame rican Consulat, Stuttgart, Germany. [Handwritten annotations: illegible] Honorable Consul: I, Mina Kaufmann, residing at 145 West 86 Str. new York herewith state, that I am willing and abl[e] [to gi]ve to my uncle and aunt, Julius Israel Oppenheimer and Elsa Oppenheimer, residing at 1 Alfonsstr. Muenchen Germany $5.— every week for their personal use. I also like to state, that after my mother, this uncle is my closest relative, since he brought me up, my father having been killed in the first world war. That I know, that Mr. Julius Oppenheimer is suffering from varicose veins, and Mrs. Oppenheimer from rheumatism. That never- theless I maintain my affidavit to its full extent, and that I wish to add that I am more anxious than ever that my uncle and aunt should join me in the United States. Mina Kaufmann Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary Public in and before said County this 4th day of Febr. 1941 Irma Lotheim Notary Public

This is perhaps the most personal document in the entire collection. Mina Kaufmann — the central figure coordinating the rescue effort from New York — reveals her own family connection: Julius Oppenheimer is her uncle and closest living relative after her mother. She explains that Julius "brought me up" because her father was killed in the First World War. This biographical detail transforms our understanding of the entire correspondence: Mina's tireless efforts — coordinating multiple sponsors, depositing $1,015 at the bank, paying for affidavit filings, arranging luggage storage — were driven not just by family obligation but by a deep personal debt to the uncle who raised her after she was orphaned by war. Her promise of $5 per week (about $107/week today) for personal expenses supplemented the full board and lodging promised by the Langerbeins and Samuel Morris. Like Morris and Langerbein before her, she explicitly acknowledges the Oppenheimers' health conditions (varicose veins and rheumatism) and maintains her affidavit "nevertheless" — the same formula used to counter the consulate's potential objection to admitting immigrants with medical conditions. The document is dated February 4, 1941 — three days after the Langerbein affidavit — suggesting a coordinated blitz of paperwork aimed at finally securing the visas. Notarized by Irma Lotheim.

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[Reverse of carbon copy — text from front visible in mirror image] [Handwritten annotations at top, partially legible:] Zuversicht auch ct [?] S.V.100.S [?] [Handwritten text:] Good I know and above my [?] [partially legible]

This is the reverse of Mina Kaufmann's February 4, 1941 letter to the American Consulate (0025). The document appears to be a carbon copy, with the front text visible in reverse through the thin paper. A few handwritten annotations are visible but largely illegible — possibly filing notes or reference numbers added later. The document was preserved as part of the complete record of the Oppenheimer visa application.

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But that nevertheless, I Maintain herewith my solemn promise of giving them full board and lodging for an indefinite time. That I know that Mr. Julius Oppenheimer is suffering from varicose veins and Mrs. Oppenheimer from arthritis, that nevertheless, I maintain my affidavit to its full extent. That I trust that in consideration of these State- ments and my earnest wish to help my relatives they will be granted United States Immigration Visas without any delay. Bertha Katz Mrs. Bertha Katz nee Falk Sworn to before me and and subscribed before me, a Notary Public in and for said County, this this 10th.day of Febr.1941: Mary Meurich Notary Public. [Notary stamp:] MARY MEURICH NOTARY PUBLIC Kings Co. Clk's No. 88, Reg. No. 1097 New York Co. Clk's No. 139, Reg. No. 1M117 Commission expires March 30, 1941

The conclusion of Bertha Katz's affidavit follows the same pattern as the other sponsors: acknowledging Julius's varicose veins and Mrs. Oppenheimer's health condition (here described as "arthritis" rather than "rheumatism" as in other documents — likely the same condition described differently) and maintaining the affidavit "nevertheless." Her promise of "full board and lodging for an indefinite time" goes further than the other sponsors' time-limited commitments. The document was notarized on February 10, 1941, by Mary Meurich, a notary registered in both Kings County (Brooklyn) and New York County (Manhattan), whose commission was set to expire just weeks later on March 30, 1941. This affidavit was part of the coordinated February 1941 push — Langerbein on Feb 1, Mina Kaufmann on Feb 4, and Bertha Katz on Feb 10 — that finally produced the Stuttgart consulate's positive response in April 1941 (see 0029).

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Nr. 9831 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, } STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss.: COUNTY OF BRONX, [handwritten: New York] } I, Bertha Katz nee Falk, being duly sworn, depose and say; That I reside at 760 Grand Concourse, Bronx, N.Y., That I have resided in the United States for the last 32 years and that I am a citizen of the United Sta- tes through my first husband, Louis Bauer. Citizenshippapers were issued March 16, 1899 by the Supreme Court at New York. That it is my intention and desire to have the following relatives come and stay with me in the United States: Mr. Julius Israel Oppenheimer born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany on May 5th, 1882 and his wife Mrs. Else Sarah Oppenheimer born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany, on February 14, 1891, both residing at Munich, Alfonsstrasse 1, Germany. That I am a first cousin of Mr. Julius Oppenheimer, since my mother Karoline nee Kirchhausen and Mr. Julius Oppenheimer's mother, Mina Oppenheimer nee Kirchhausen, have been sisters. That I am 52 years of age and able to support the prospective immigrants, because nobody is dependent on me for support. That I sponsored the immigration of my brothers Karl and Ferdinand Falk who have become selfsupporting. That I am President of the Farrish Chop House Inc., located at 42 Johnstreet, New York City. That I submit proof for my ownership of Dollars 20,000.00 U.S. Government bonds, the interests of which amounting to Dollars 600= a year, constitute part of my income. That I understand that notwithstanding my most hospitable offers Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer want to stay with another friend of the family, Mr. Samuel Morris, but

This is the most genealogically significant document in the collection. Bertha Katz (née Falk) establishes her blood relationship to Julius Oppenheimer: her mother Karoline (née Kirchhausen) and Julius's mother Mina Oppenheimer (née Kirchhausen) were sisters — making Bertha and Julius first cousins. This confirms the Kirchhausen maiden name of Julius's mother and establishes a key maternal family connection. Bertha's own biography is remarkable: she came to America 32 years earlier (around 1909), gained citizenship through her first husband Louis Bauer in 1899, and by 1941 was President of the Farrish Chop House, Inc. at 42 John Street in lower Manhattan — a successful businesswoman owning $20,000 in U.S. Government bonds (about $430,000 today). She had previously sponsored her brothers Karl and Ferdinand Falk. Note that Elsa's birth year is given here as 1891, whereas the Langerbein affidavit (0021) gives 1894 — a discrepancy that may require further verification. The registration number 9831 matches the Stuttgart consulate's response letter (0029). The detail that the Oppenheimers preferred to stay with Samuel Morris rather than with Bertha adds a human dimension to the bureaucratic paperwork.

Form AC Rev. File No. 811.11 THE FOREIGN SERVICE of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA American Consulate Stuttgart, P.O. Box 949 4 APR 1941 Date of postmark To the holder of registration number 9831 for 2 persons You are hereby informed that the documents you submitted for review have been provisionally deemed sufficient, and that your case can be processed immediately, provided that quota numbers are still available, as soon as proof is furnished that you would be in a position to travel to the United States if a visa were issued to you. The ability to travel to the United States consists not only of being able to leave Germany, but also of having the possibility of obtaining ocean passage and reaching the port of embarkation. In view of the currently limited availability of ship passages, the deposit of a sufficient amount for your ocean passage cannot be regarded as final proof of the ability to travel to the United States. As soon as you have made firm travel arrangements, you should submit documentary proof thereof, so that you may receive a summons to appear at the Consulate for your visa application. THE AMERICAN CONSUL GENERAL O/1009

Form. AC Rev. File No. 811.11 THE FOREIGN SERVICE of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Amerikanisches Konsulat Stuttgart, Postfach 949 4 APR 1941 Datum des Poststempels An den Inhaber der Registrierungsnummer 9831 für 2 Personen Hierdurch wird Ihnen mitgeteilt, daß die von Ihnen zur Prüfung eingesandten Dokumente vorbehaltlich als genügend erachtet worden sind und daß Ihre An- gelegenheit sofort berücksichtigt werden kann, vorausgesetzt, daß noch Quoten- nummern zur Verfügung stehen, sobald der Nachweis vorliegt, daß Sie in der Lage wären, nach den Vereinigten Staaten zu reisen, falls Ihnen ein Visum aus- gestellt würde. Die Möglichkeit, nach den Vereinigten Staaten zu reisen, besteht nicht nur darin, daß Sie in der Lage sind, Deutschland zu verlassen, sondern auch, daß Sie die Möglichkeit haben, Ozeanpassage zu erhalten und den Einschiffungs- hafen zu erreichen. In Anbetracht der zurzeit nur in beschränktem Maße erhält- lichen Schiffspassagen kann die Hinterlegung eines genügenden Betrages für Ihre Ozeanpassage nicht als endgültiger Beweis für die Möglichkeit der Reise nach den Vereinigten Staaten angesehen werden. Sobald Sie feste Reisevorbereitungen getroffen haben, sollten Sie dokumen- tarischen Nachweis darüber vorlegen, damit Sie eine Vorladung erhalten können, um zur Visumantragstellung beim Konsulat zu erscheinen. DER AMERIKANISCHE GENERALKONSUL O/1009

This is the pivotal document in the entire collection — the American Consulate's response to over a year of accumulated affidavits and sponsorship documentation. Dated April 4, 1941, the Stuttgart consulate acknowledges that the Oppenheimers' paperwork has been "provisionally deemed sufficient" (registration 9831 for 2 persons) — a hard-won victory after affidavits from Samuel Morris, Mina Kaufmann, William and Ottilie Langerbein, and Bertha Katz. However, the letter immediately imposes a devastating new condition: the Oppenheimers must prove they can actually travel to the United States. The consulate explicitly notes that this means not just leaving Germany, but obtaining ocean passage and reaching the port of embarkation — an increasingly impossible requirement by April 1941. With the Netherlands, Belgium, and France under German occupation, traditional embarkation ports were closed. The consulate further states that merely depositing money for passage is not sufficient — firm travel arrangements must be documented. This Catch-22 — visas granted only upon proof of travel arrangements that required visas to obtain — was a bureaucratic trap that ensnared thousands of would-be refugees. By mid-1941, the U.S. State Department under Breckinridge Long was actively using such procedural barriers to restrict Jewish immigration. Whether Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer were ultimately able to satisfy this final condition and escape is the central question left unresolved by this document.

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[Top left corner, handwritten:] 684 — 3394 [Watermarks throughout the page reading "Igestat" — a German paper manufacturer's mark] [Otherwise blank]

The reverse of the Stuttgart consulate letter (0029) is essentially blank except for a handwritten filing notation "684 — 3394" in the top left corner, likely an internal reference number used by either the consulate or the Oppenheimers' file. The "Igestat" watermarks throughout the paper identify it as a product of a German paper manufacturer, consistent with official German-era stationery used by the American consulate in Stuttgart.

[From Stuttgart:] To: FRED OPPENHEIMER 804 W. 180 [Street], NEW YORK TRANSFER FOR PASSAGE [of] JULIUS [and] ELSE OPPENHEIM[ER] 300 DOLLARS TO BANCO LISBOA E ACORES LISBON [at] OUR DISPOSAL TRAVEL AGENCY VOCK

[WESTERN UNION CABLEGRAM header] R. B. WHITE, PRESIDENT NEWCOMB CARLTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD J. C. WILLEVER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT Received at 40 Broad Street (Central Cable Office), New York, N.Y. ALWAYS OPEN PCR/BF PR6890 STUTTGART 25 31 NLT RP$2.07 FRED OPPENHEIMER [crossed out: RJ] 804W 180 NEWYORK TRANSFERIERET FUER PASSAGE JULIUS ELSE OPPENHEIM 300 DOLLAR AN BANCO LISBOA E ACORES LISBON UNSERE VERFUEGUNG REISEBUERO VOCK THE QUICKEST, SUREST AND SAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY IS BY TELEGRAPH OR CABLE

This cablegram reveals a parallel escape route being pursued simultaneously with the Cuba visa attempt: passage through Lisbon, Portugal — the last remaining neutral port in Western Europe. Reisebüro Vock, a Stuttgart travel agency, cabled Fred Oppenheimer at 804 West 180th Street in New York (the Washington Heights neighborhood, another center of German-Jewish refugee settlement) requesting that $300 be transferred to the Banco Lisboa e Açores in Lisbon to cover passage for Julius and Elsa. This is the same $300 referenced in Julius and Elsa's own telegram (0036). The involvement of Fred Oppenheimer — likely a relative (possibly Julius's nephew or cousin) living in Washington Heights — adds another member to the rescue network. The Lisbon route was the primary escape corridor for refugees in late 1941: Jews who could obtain transit visas through Spain and Portugal could potentially embark from Lisbon for the Americas. The Banco Lisboa e Açores was commonly used as a financial intermediary for refugee passage deposits. The Tausig Service Corporation (which had filed the original 1939 affidavits — see 0001) also became involved, querying Reisebüro Vock for details (see 0040).

[From Munich, October 25:] To: DOKTOR KAUFMANN 622 WEST 141 STREET APT 3D, NEW YORK CITY VOCK OFFER SEVENTH AUGUST REACHABLE IF YOU AGREE DEPOSIT HALF PASSAGE THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS ELSE [AND] JULIUS

[WESTERN UNION header] R. B. WHITE, PRESIDENT NEWCOMB CARLTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD J. C. WILLEVER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point of destination. D36CC 4A VIA RCA CD MUENCHEN 25 10 NLT RP$3.87 DOKTOR KAUFMANN [handwritten: AW] 622 WEST 141 STREET APT 3D NEWYORKCITY VOCKANGEBOT SIEBTER AUGUST ERREICHBAR WENN DU EINVERSTANDEN EINZAHLET HALBE PASSAGE DREIHUNDERT DOLLARS ELSE JULIUS THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE

This telegram — one of the very few direct communications from Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer themselves in the entire collection — was sent from Munich, likely on October 25, 1941 (based on the routing code "MUENCHEN 25 10"). Julius and Elsa inform Mina ("Doktor Kaufmann") that a travel offer from Reisebüro Vock (a Stuttgart travel agency — see 0037 and 0040) is available, with a departure date reachable by August 7th [likely a reference to a ship sailing]. They ask Mina to deposit $300 — half the passage fare — if she agrees. The telegram was sent to Mina's new address at 622 West 141st Street, Apt. 3D, New York City (c/o Heller, as per the Zaro Tours documents). The fact that Julius and Elsa could still send international telegrams from Munich in late October 1941 indicates they had not yet been deported, but the window was closing rapidly. Deportations of Munich Jews to Kaunas (Lithuania) and Riga (Latvia) began on November 20, 1941. The telegram is signed "ELSE JULIUS" — Elsa's name first — suggesting she may have been the one managing the practical arrangements from the Munich end.

[Cable from Zaro Tours Basel to Zaro Tours New York:] URGENTLY ARRANGE CUBA VISAS [for] ISAAK OPPENHEIMER BORN GEMMINGEN 5/5/82 [and] ELSA OPPENHEIMER [born] GEMMINGEN 14/2/94 RESIDENT [of] MUNICH GERMAN NATIONALITY STOP COLLECT 415 DOLLARS INCLUDING PREVIOUS EXTRA EXPENSES AS WELL AS 650 DOLLARS DEPOSIT AS WELL AS BANK FEE 41.30 DOLLARS FROM DEPOSITOR MINA KAUFMANN 622 WEST 141 STREET APARTMENT 3D C/O HELLER ZAROHC [Zaro Tours]

[RCA RADIOGRAM header — R.C.A. COMMUNICATIONS, INC.] [A RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA SERVICE] [TO ALL THE WORLD — BETWEEN IMPORTANT U.S. CITIES — TO SHIPS AT SEA] Send the following Radiogram "Via RCA" subject to terms on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to HBELZ SZ1257 November 7, 1941 BASEL 131/120 6 1855 PAHE 1/50 NLT ZAROHC NEWYORK EILBESORGET CUBAVISEN ISAAK OPPENHEIMER GEBOREN GEMMINGEN 5/5/82 ELSA OPPENHEIMER GEMMINGEN 14/2/94 WOHNHAFT MUENCHEN DEUTSCHE STAATSANGEHOERIGKEIT STOP EINZIEHET 415 DOLLAR INCLUSIVE BISHERIGE EXTRASPESEN SOWIE 650 DOLLAR DEPOT SOWIE BANKGEBUEHR 41.30 DOLLARS VON EINZAHLER MINA KAUFMANN 622 WEST 141 STREET APARTMENT 3D C/O HELLER ZAROHC Main Office: 66 Broad Street, New York, N.Y. (Always Open) Phone: HAnover 2-1811 FULL-RATE MESSAGE UNLESS MARKED OTHERWISE Sender's Name and Address (Not to be transmitted) Form 100-38-TA-0840

This radiogram marks a dramatic shift in the rescue strategy. By November 1941, with direct U.S. immigration still blocked by the Stuttgart consulate's travel-proof requirement (see 0029), the plan pivoted to obtaining Cuba visas — a last-resort escape route. The cable was sent from Zaro Tours' Basel, Switzerland branch to their New York office (cable address ZAROHC), urgently requesting Cuba visas for "Isaak" (Julius Israel) Oppenheimer and Elsa Oppenheimer. The financial breakdown totals $1,106.30: $415 for costs and expenses, $650 for a deposit, and $41.30 in bank fees, all to be collected from Mina Kaufmann — now residing at 622 West 141st Street, Apt. 3D, c/o Heller (she had moved from her longtime 145 West 86th Street address). The use of "Isaak" instead of "Julius" likely reflects the forced adoption of the middle name "Israel" imposed on Jewish men by the Nazi regime's August 1938 decree. The date — November 7, 1941, exactly one month before Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) and the subsequent U.S. declaration of war on Germany — places this cable in the final weeks when any transatlantic rescue was theoretically possible. Cuba had been an alternate refuge for Jewish refugees since the famous St. Louis voyage of 1939, though by late 1941, Cuba's own immigration restrictions had tightened considerably.

Telephone Wisconsin 7-2800 Cable Address: ZAROHC SPECIAL DELIVERY / AIR MAIL ZARO TOURS AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENCY 152 West 42nd Street • New York City November 7, 1941 Miss Mina Kaufmann c/o Engel 4006 Norfolk Ave. Baltimore, Md. Dear Miss Kaufmann, Today we received from our Basel branch the cable enclosed in copy. Immediately upon receipt we sent a telegram to the address given in New York City, but have just learned from Mrs. Heller that you have moved your residence to Baltimore. As you can see from the cable, you are to arrange entry to Cuba for your relatives by the quickest route. For this you will need — as already mentioned — for costs $ 830— " deposits 1300— " bank fee for opening the deposits 41.30 total: $ 2,171.30 Of this amount, the $1,300 will be refunded after leaving Cuba. We are enclosing a questionnaire, which we ask you to fill out and return to us in the enclosed reply envelope. Immediately upon receipt of this questionnaire and your check in the above amount drawn on a New York bank, we will apply for the Cuba visas, which will be issued in approximately 12–14 days through the Cuban Legation in Berlin. As you can see from the cable, the matter is very urgent. Since you yourself know what is currently happening in Germany, we would advise you to send the check immediately. Please send us your immediate reply in any case, as we must cable back to Basel regarding your decision. Respectfully, ZARO TOURS [Signature] encl.

Telephone Wisconsin 7-2800 Cable Address: ZAROHC SPECIAL DELIVERY / AIR MAIL [40th Anniversary logo: 1899-1939] ZARO TOURS AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENCY 152 West 42nd Street • New York City November 7, 1941 Miss Mina Kaufmann c/o. Engel 4006 Norfolk Ave. Baltimore, Md. Sehr geehrtes Frl. Kaufmann, Wir empfingen heute von unserer Filiale in Basel das in Copie beigefuegte Cabel. Wir hatten Ihnen sofort nach Erhalt ein Telegramm an die genannte Adresse nach New York City gesandt, erfahren aber soeben von Frau Heller, dass Sie Ihren Wohnsitz nach Baltimore verlegt haben. Wie Sie aus dem Kabel ersehen, sollen Sie fuer Ihre Angehoerigen die Einreise nach Cuba auf schnellstem Wege besorgen. Hierzu benoetigen Sie — wie bereits erwaehnt — fuer Kosten $ 830— " Depots 1300— " Bankgebuehr fuer Eroeffnen der Depots 41.30 zusammen: $ 2171.30 Von diesem Betrag werden die $1300— nach Verlassen Cuba's zurueckverguetet. Wir lassen Ihnen anliegend einen Fragebogen zugehen, welchen Sie uns bitte ausgefuellt in beigefuegtem Antwort-Umschlag zuruecksenden wollen. Sofort nach Erhalt dieses Fragebogens und Ihres Checks in obiger Hoehe auf eine New Yorker Bank werden wir die Cuba-Visen beantragen, welche in etwa 12 — 14 Tagen durch die Cuba-Legation in Berlin erteilt werden. Wie Sie aus dem Kabel ersehen, ist die Angelegenheit sehr eilig. Da Sie wohl selbst wissen, was augenblicklich in Deutschland vorgeht, wuerden wir Ihnen raten, den Check sofort einzusenden. Bitte lassen Sie uns auf alle Faelle Ihre sofortige Antwort zugehen, da wir nach Basel zuruecktelegrafieren muessen, wie Sie sich entschieden haben. Hochachtungsvoll eh. ZARO TOURS encl. [Signature]

This letter represents the final, desperate attempt to rescue Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer. Zaro Tours — a well-known New York travel agency that specialized in helping refugees (founded 1899, celebrating its 40th anniversary on the letterhead) — relayed the urgent cable from their Basel, Switzerland branch. The plan was to obtain Cuban entry visas through the Cuban Legation in Berlin within 12-14 days, at a total cost of $2,171.30 (approximately $46,000 today). The $1,300 deposit was refundable upon leaving Cuba — a standard requirement to guarantee that refugees would not become permanent charges on the Cuban state. The chilling line "Since you yourself know what is currently happening in Germany" alludes to the escalating persecution without explicitly naming it — by November 1941, mass deportations of German Jews to eastern ghettos and killing sites had already begun. Mina Kaufmann had moved to Baltimore (c/o Engel, 4006 Norfolk Avenue), and the scramble to reach her — first a telegram to New York, then learning from Mrs. Heller about the move, then Special Delivery to Baltimore — underscores the frantic pace. The Cuba route via the Cuban Legation in Berlin was one of the last remaining escape paths, but it required an agonizing sequence: payment from New York to Zaro Tours, application through Berlin, visa issuance, and then actual departure from Germany — all within a rapidly closing window. The United States would enter the war exactly one month later.

NLT [Night Letter] Travel Agency Vock Stuttgart Re: Julius [and] Else Oppenheimer, please cable ship name, departure date, line, and whether the 300 dollars are refundable here in case of non-travel. Cable address Oceanwave New York Travel Agency Tausig

NLT. Reiseburo Vock Stuttgart Betrifft Julius Else Oppenheimer bitte drahtet Schiffsname Abfahrtsda- tum Linie und ob 300 Dollar bei Nichtreise hierher rueckzahlbar. Kabeladresse Oceanwave New York Reiseburo Tausig

This cable draft is the final document in the Julius and Elsa folder, and it captures the meticulous caution of the rescue network even in extremis. Reisebüro Tausig in New York (the same Tausig Service Corporation that filed the original 1939 affidavits — see 0001, connecting the first and last documents in the collection) writes to Reisebüro Vock in Stuttgart requesting concrete details about the proposed passage: ship name, departure date, shipping line, and — critically — whether the $300 deposit is refundable if the trip does not take place. This last question reveals an awareness that the escape might fail. The cable address "Oceanwave" for Tausig's New York office and "NLT" (Night Letter, a cheaper overnight cable rate) suggest this was a follow-up to the urgent Reisebüro Vock cable (0037) and Julius and Elsa's own telegram (0036). Together, documents 0036-0040 trace the final, parallel escape attempts in late 1941: the Cuba visa route via Zaro Tours and the Lisbon passage route via Reisebüro Vock, both racing against the clock as the last avenues for Jewish emigration from Germany were closing. Whether either attempt succeeded — or whether Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer were among the Munich Jews deported beginning November 20, 1941 — is the devastating question that this correspondence leaves unresolved.

Munich, December 21, 1941 [Sender identification:] Frida Sara Oppenheimer, Munich 5 Dear Mina! [The letter appears to be from Frida (Sara) Oppenheimer, not directly from Julius and Elsa, though filed with their correspondence.] ...I always hear from Aunt Frieda that you are doing well, and I am glad... I hope you will soon have the joy... I wish it for you with all my heart... that you unfortunately [had to] find yourself in a new homeland, but at least you do not need to worry about... For me it was unfortunately no longer possible... the community... I should [report] some news... I have long since realized that good thoughts and good feelings would be wasted on an unworthy person. Dear Mina, fate has, I believe, taken quite good care of me. I met a man through the Wanderbund [hiking association]... [Discussion of personal relationship]... You yourself don't yet know exactly when further [news]... but I think soon...

München, 21. Dez. 1941 [?] Frida Sara Oppenheimer München 5 [?] [Text written upside-down and in margins, partially legible:] ... [?] von allem Guten [?] schöne Nachricht ... Liebe lb. Mina! — hab [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] dass aus der [?] ... Für alle Grüsse u. Tante Frieda höre ich immer wie es Dir gut geh! u. freue mich, wenn es Euch die Mutter [?] ... Hoffnung [?] hat gelangt es Dir bald Freude in halten [?] Dir zu halten ich wünsche es Dir von ganzen Herzen die gleiche [?] Mina, dass Du leider [?] euch geforschen hat in einen neuen Heimat, so brauchst Du doch wenigstens keine Abhilge für Deine Leuter [?] sein. Du mir war es mir leider nicht mehr möglich, dass die Unvorständlichkeit von Deine u. kann ich [?] mit der Gemeinschaft muss mir einmal [?] Nachrichten. Alle eventuellen [?] allerdings bin ich längst [?] da [?] eingesehen habe, dass gleich gute Gedanke u. jedes gute Gefühl an einem Unwürdigen gegeben würde. Liebe Mina, das Schicksal hat es [?] glaube ich, [?] war ganz gut mit mir gesorgt, ich habe am Wanderbund eine einen Mann kennen gelernt, dass es wirklich [?] was man alles hat [?]. Du mir selbst, wissen aller dings wird nicht genau, wann Dir weiteres, aber ich denke bald, wie ich gleichwohl [?], [?] gebraucht ge funden [?] halten, der so mir gross, damit Du dies [?] Menschen. [?] ist viel Rapt. [?] zu hören sehr viel, die Frau in der ganzen Welt u. nicht gut [?]. [?] ich nehme alle [?] [?] es geht [?] mit brauen u. [?]

This letter, dated December 21, 1941, was written just weeks after the United States entered WWII (December 7-11, 1941) and during the month when the first mass deportations from Munich began. The use of the mandatory middle name "Sara" (required for Jewish women since 1939) identifies the writer as Jewish. The letter appears to be from Frida Sara Oppenheimer, discussing personal matters including a new relationship. By this date, direct mail between Germany and the USA had effectively ceased due to the declaration of war. This may be among the last letters to reach America from this branch of the family.