en under the best conditions, you
will realise the deep depression into which they are now being
plunged by all the inexplicable delays in carrying out the terms
of the convention. From every one who comes in contact with them
I gather the same impression, that unless the Gordian knot is
cut and a way is quickly found out of the present impasse, the
most serious results are to be apprehended, as numbers of
prisoners here--and the case can be no better in other
countries--are on the verge of insanity....[28]

I would put it therefore to you in all earnestness that it is
your duty, as representing humanity, to bring without delay all
the pressure and all the influence you possess to bear upon the
authorities to consider the sufferings of the prisoners and
induce them, if possible, even at the cost of some concessions,
to facilitate from their side the carrying through of this
scheme, in which I can assure you not merely the happiness but
even the life of many men is involved.

I speak, of course, quite unofficially, and with no other motive
than pure philanthropy, but I may venture to hope that my
representations, though only those of a private individual, will
carry more than ordinary weight, inasmuch as there is perhaps
nobody whose information and experience in these matters are
more real and vital, or entitle him to speak with more
authority.

Nor do I stand alone, for there are many others with whom I have
worked from the beginning in the same field. All these associate
themselves with me in this appeal, and, like myself, with no
other motive than that of simple humanity. If the time, the
energy, and the money we have all spent so unstintingly to
improve the prisoners' lot give us any title to be heard, we all
implore you, not only for the sake of the prisoners themselves,
but in the eternal interests of humanity and justice, to do, and
to do quickly whatever you can in furtherance of this object. We
quite understand, of course, that military interests must be
considered, but it is not always possible for those in high
places, with whom such decisions rest, to realise as vividly as
we do all that is at stake in a question of this sort, and that
is why we feel entitled to assume that your advice would not be
without effect, and that being the case, we submit it bec