/specialCollection/nwcda2/27/LAUNAGS, FREDS VOL. 1/LAUNAGS, FREDS VOL. 1_0015.pdf

50.11.gtnformr4on ar '7
'77
(5) Prior to releasing mese i7„perscno ploy were thoroughly interrogated
under the direction of a Swedish coastal defense officer who used a German-speaking
lady as an interpreter. This lady, whose name Hahn has forgotten, was indeed a very
helpful, empathetic and understanding person. She advised the refugees that their
position was precarious because two days ter their arrival in Sweden the Russian
authorities bad requested their return, because they were "war criminals" who had
caused disorder and hid etoied some property (the only true part of this according
to Hahn is that they did steal the boat with which they came to Sweden). According
to the interpreter this case was being studied by the Swedish Government and,
in cast:4'4e the group was forced to return, she advised that the refugees attempt to
proceed throughinternational waters to Lubeck, Germany. It is noteworthy that this
lady informed the group as Oar- where in Gotland they could receive aid and also taught
thee certain phrases in Swedish which would enable them to bet by temporarily.
Later the group found that the 94-dish Government had asked Bruno Ralnins
for recommeddations which he had supnhied stating that though he didn't know these
individuals personally he could only vouch for them bdcause any Latvians escaping
from Latvia at such a late date must be patriots. Janis Zalcmanis later personally
thanked KaImins for this act.
After approximately one week the group as such was permitted to proceed
a-4
to the mainland of Sweden/ the two fishermen, who ferried the group across to Sweden
under duress, were permitted to return to their hiaeland by the Swedish authorities
having been given a certificate which stated that they were voluntarily returning.
Arriving on the Swedish mainland all 17 persons were placed in the reftiggs camp in
2.
Kuaelansi Where all eventually were informed of someAmployment possibility or other. .
Staying in this camp from 8 November 150 until 10 January 1946, H.kept
up his contact with Hugo Gintera who during this time informed him that bis radio
operator in the Vicinity of.ESKILSTUNA MikeilliWiftWit4i3PP radio set with which
they could contact his homeland. In the . e6EGReatere inferred H that
the conttruction of the radio wae completed and H give him his first message to Latv1%.7---