Dearg code telegram from Con Cremin to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(No. 23)

You are aware that very considerable number of refugees are coming here from Eastern province – several million according to some. They are travelling in conditions of great hardship often in open goods-wagons and by temperature continuously below zero and there are accounts of many small children dying en route. The evacuation is of course taking place by order of Government as part of policy which represents Russians as only interested in murder and plunder. Although there are some stories of arrival of Russians in some towns which are strong contrast to official version there is no doubt most Germans are terrified of what Russians will do if they get here. The influx of refugees is almost sure to create food difficulties later on because of greater number of persons to nourish with reduced sources of supply. Berlin quiet and provides little superficial evidence of any disorganization.

Coal shortage has led to severe restriction on heating and power supply.

Apparently High Command has been preparing large scale counter attacks by which it hopes to hold Russians: I was told it is to take place one of these days but from what lines I have not heard. In his last article Goebbels for no apparent reason describes awkward situation which would in his opinion be created for Allies if 200 divisions attributed to Russians were to get through Rhine.