July–December 1936

No. [handwritten: 3/35.]

[printed: DEPARTMENT OF ANTIQUITIES, CYPRUS.]

NICOSIA, 17th August, 1936.

Dr. B.H.Hill, 9. Ploutarch Street, Athens.

Sir,

With reference to your proposal for the purchase by the Government of a part of the site of Curium, I have the honour to inform you that the Government is willing to proceed with negotiations for this purchase under certain conditions.

2. The area selected for acquisition is that outlined in red on the map which accompanied your letter of 20th April, 1936 and it is understood that the University of Pennsylvania Archaeological Expedition should contribute to the cost of purchase. In this connection you have promised the sum of £ 120 on behalf of the Expedition and the Government has offered £ 60 making a total of £ 180 available of effecting this purchase.

3. The parties have, however, failed to reach agreement as to the purchase price and no further action can be taken until the amount of compensation payable is settled by reference to a Court of Arbitration. It is anticipated by some that the Court's assessment will be in excess of the sum available, in which case it might be impossible to effect the purchase and the costs of an appeal to Court would have been incurred to no purpose.

4. In the circumstances the Government is unwilling to put the matter before a Court of Arbitration unless you are prepared to guarantee, on behalf of the University of Pennsylvania Expedition, to meet the costs of this appeal.

5. In order that the future of this important site may be secured, it is to be hoped that, on returning to America, you may have opportunities of appealing for further funds both to cover the costs of arbitration and any difference there may be between the Court's assessment and the funds at present available. It is not easy to estimate either the Court's assessment or the costs of such an appeal, but the Commissioner of Limassol suggests that you should have a total sum of £350 at your disposal. He is however hopeful that the transaction can be completed for a smaller sum.

Handwritten: signature

Director of Antiquities.