1953: McFadden's death (2 of 2)

24 Sep 53

De ar Fro:

Many thanks for yours of the 16th. I had your cable, but had felt the need of more specific briefing (which I hoped for and received in your letter) before proceeding.

Joe and I saw Sir Panyotis today and talked at some length. Results as follows:

He expects to get formal appointment by the Cypriote court to act on the 29th. He doesn't expect that matters will move very fast, but at least then he will be legally competent to act in settling the Cypriote part of the estate. I will do all I can to prod him along.

He had had a letter from Mr. Ewing about dealing with me in matters concerning the Museum. Mr. E. seems not, however, to have instructed him in so many words about our retaining anything we want. I quoted your remarks on the subject, and he said if that was the executors' intention he'd be glad to arrange it, but that he would, of course, need specific written instructions to that effect from the executors. No doubt Mr. E. will oblige, especially when he has received the list of what we want. I am going over the effects in detail, will discuss them with Sir P. after the 29th and send on the results.

As to the livestock, I think I wrote that two dogs have been sold. A male and a bitch remain. The bitch is supposed to be in whelp, due to produce, if this is really so, about Oct. 10. Sir P. believes we should wait until she has weaned the pups before disposing of her and them. One pup was sold last spring for £15. (ca.$42.00). If she produces 5, as she did last, and rears them, that would bring in enough to cover the expense of keeping them. It's a gamble, though. Of the last litter the two females were destroyed at birth, and of the three males 2 died of pneumonia. Not very profitable. Of the horses one has a taker for £30. and will no doubt go shortly. The other is thought to be less desirable, and may be difficult to sell.

As to their expense, I will send on the final account when they have all departed. At the present moment George's estate is indebted to us for £67-10-6½ (ca. $190.00). Their care and feeding amounts to about £24. (ca. $67.00) a month. In the final account I think we should also add the amount of wages due the staff at the time of George's death. George had, in March, 1952, given them all a raise of 10%, but with the understanding that he would retain the amount of the raise, saving it for them until such time as they left his service. This had [handwritten: d] never been paid to the employees still with him at the time of his death, and of course will have to be paid them