1952–April 1953

Continued from scan 87

… know from a conversation in Plato's Republic, but they may have given place to foot rows by the time this ruling was made, circ 350 BC. Found in Piraeus, No. 2155 —

So on to Istanbul. Found earnings fairly cheap this year, at 42. Therefore bought 7 1/2, as price may go up, & if possible, want to avoid another trip down as long as possible. Saw the Pitts damsel; she has to teach at Kız Kolleji until May, so should be here for June - only a month as she goes home in July. Seems an attractive damsel. To start in will be - Brian & me, Ellen, Jess, 2 Oberlins, Alexander. May accretions - you Macht Benson Pitts Cammann. Told Macht. why not dig June & August do her turkish travelling in July. So to dig in July will be you, Benson, Jess - probably as many as you can get labor for, & Machteld back for August. Don't know the plans of the rabble. Ellen throughout. If Oberlins to go to Cyprus leave it open - they want to travel in West Turkey, & could go from there to Cyprus or return here if you want them - see how they work out.

In Istanbul saw the originals of Machteld's photographs, in collection of Ellen's friend. Alaca Huyuk stuff, in excellent condition & some pieces unique. Have written Fro about them, & suggest acquisition; said you could borrow Machteld's pictures to show him or board. Asking price said to be 12 grand, local currency - or about what Machteld reported. Prefer to deal through our earning man Not Ralph, who might cut down price, who would undertake export, and who would be respectably vague source. Present owner would not do that. Therefore asked Fro for approval & to send maximum amount available, as much under which as possible will try to come (should have said quote, not send). Will take a little tinkering. 41 pieces. Suspect price high for here, extremely reasonable by USA standards.

In Ankara found balance of 6404.47 in account. Good. Drew out 2000 for sake of appearances. Balance should remain for you if needed. Spent one whole morning putting dynamite under Necati about exchange or gift - think he now understands no more dig if no things to put in vitrines. (N.B. - Macht's rumor about his divorce entirely erroneous). Returning to Ankara Monday, to see if any results. Also poked up Hamit - on same subject. Hope there will be some results.