1953: McFadden's death (1 of 2)

Saturday 9 May

Dear J. Roger: Sorry to have not written for so long, but what with hopping back & forth to Cyprus and having the head full of Cyprus business I havent got around to it - I did write a long report & plan to Fro, which he will no doubt show you. I hope you approve of the suggestion that you undertake the Curium dig next year- Ellen & I thought you would probably like it, and I dont see how the money will do it unless in a more or less concerted effort, which would have to be headed by somebody competent. I.E., I don't see how Benson not knowing Greek or having any experience could do it, & Obrelin is certainly too young and weak, & I doubt if John Young would undertake it - at least if he did we would have to pay him a sum we probably couldnt afford. The snags in your doing it are how to find and pay for a substitute in Philadelphia for the fall term at least (I suggested a way to pay in part at least to Fro which I do not think is unfair, and don't suppose you will either) and that you already have plenty to work on for publication. In the latter let your conscience be your guide; as to the former you are probably in a better position than to know who might be both suitable and available - As to the division of work, if Fales keeps theatre, you and Benson could divide Bamboula and Apollo as seems best between you; if Fales is refused and we get Virginia or some other third person, the three of you can divide the three projects as suits you. Mrs. O. can do the Ellen work; she is very pleasant and proficient and will be by then well trained; and Obrein can do whatever outside digging projects (i.e., mosaic & perhaps basilica - city gate) come up. The plan as outlined has the enthusiastic approval of Mr. Hill & of Peter Megaw - Mr. Hill expects to go to America in the fall (this time he sounds as if he really means it) but could go to Cyprus for a while in the spring.