Monsieur Egli in name of Society of Swiss Writers Zurich requests intervention if possible with German authorities in following matter:- Paul Leon 27 Rue Casimir Perrier Paris White Russian Jew, bearer French Identity Card for Emigres Secretary Collaboration for years with James Joyce stated arrested as hostage Paris. Society afraid Leon may be shot and that Joyce's literary heritage thus completely lost as no one else understood Joyce's work so intimately or could aid so efficiently with biography. Society understands difficulty of any intervention by Irish Government which I explained fully but anxious that request submitted for consideration. Joyce's son also approached me in the matter.

Joyce had not Irish passport.¹