Last Letters of The Manouchian Group February 21, 1944

Tomas Elek

Source: David Diamant. Combattants, Héros & Martyrs de la Resistance, editions Renouveau, Paris. 1984;
Translated: for marxists.org by Mitch Abidor.

19 -year old Hungarian born Tomas Elek, who had sabotaged materiel, thrown grenades at soldiers, and destroyed a German bookstore, write two letters, to a family friend and then to his own friends.

Dear Mme Verrier:

I send you this farewell letter with the hope that you'll find my family one day. Tell them that I didn’t suffer, and that I died thinking of them, and above all of my brothers, who'll have a more beautiful youth than mine.

I die, but I ask you to live.

Farewell; let my memory remain in the heart of those who knew me. My friends should all live life, and my last wish is that they not feel sorrow over my fate, since I die so that they will be happy.

And his second letter, to his friends

Dear Friends,

I write you this farewell letter to confirm to you, if there was any need, that my intentions were pure.

I don’t have the time here for long, empty phrases.

All I have to say to you is that you shouldn’t be sad but, on the contrary, gay, since for you there will be singing tomorrows.

Farewell; keep my memory in your hearts and speak of me from time to time with your children.