“Mayor of Arras’ Message of Thanks.
(To the Editor)
Sir
Before leaving Newcastle, I would be very much obliged if you would have the goodness to convery to the municipal authorities and to the people of Newcastle, the grateful thanks of the delegation from Arras for the hearty welcome which has been accorded to us, and which has surpassed all that we would have expected. When we recount to our fellow citizens the story of our visit, they will, with one heart and one voice, send across the sea which separates us, the most cordial thanks.

We have asked to be honoured with a roll of the sons of Newcastle who fell in France for the defence of our two countries, in order that it may be placed among our archives. Your Lord Mayor has been good enough to present us with such a book at the banquet which was given in our honour. We will guard it as a precious recognition of the indissoluble ties which unite us to you. We have never doubted that a generous response would be given by the inhabitants of Newcastle to the appeal of the Lord Mayor for the relief of the distress of our ruined town, but we were extremely touched by the kind and delicate manner in which the Lord Mayor tendered, for my acceptance, the generous donation of 250,000 francs, the result of your first efforts.

You have indeed realised the words of the French poet who said “La facon de donner vaut mieux que ce que l’on donne.” (Translates as: “The way to give is better than what we give”)

It is not alone your generosity but most especially the expression of your sympathy which has gone straight to our hearts.
Yours etc.
Leroy (Maire)
Mansion House, Newcastle, October 27.