January–April 1954

Curium 8 Feb 54

Dear Rodney:

There is a proposition before us for the publication of the material from Kalorizziki and Mersinoudhia. I am not in a position to give a definite answer. In many ways it is a good proposition, so I should be glad of your views.

At any rate, Jack has come back from two weeks' study of the Bamboula material in Nicosia enthusiastic as well to work on the Kalorizziki and Mersinoudhia tombs. They do over lap with Bamboula and I understand his enthusiasm and his point that it would be valuable to have all this material concurrently in hand. He says that in lieu of taking a teaching job in America next fall (I have recommended him to Saul as a substitute) he would be much interested in spending the year in Philadelphia working on the Bamboula material there and the Kalorizziki etc. as well. He would presumably have digested all the material from those sites here in Cyprus before leaving. He would, he says, be willing to do it on a modest allowance providing subsistence, even though it might mean giving up a better paying job.

This, of course, would be fine for us, if he carries it through, as I presume he would. I have no reservations in my mind except perhaps the thought of side-tracks where Bamboula is concerned and perhaps a tendency to overthehe to take a chance, isn't it. However, one

I am concerned to know just how we would make provision for him. At this point it looks as if there would be a fair perisseyma from funds here (The Covt. finally accepted the property procedures can proceed, and ca. Aug. 1 one may expect payment of a goodly amount: ca. $10,000.-- $12,000. I estimate) but I can't count absolutely on being able to take anything out. The lawyer's daughter assistant seems to think it possible in an exceptional case such as our bequest, but no promises. In this state of doubt, can you suggest another source which would guarantee him whatever allowance is decided on sans amnivolia? Can we yet approach the philosophical society in view of the Fsles' debacle? Comments will be appreciated.

I am not certain that it would be a good idea to give only a minimum allowance. A more generous one would perhaps be better, so that we need not feel a sense of obligation.

As to other matters: Lucy writes that conference with Jack and Gene failed to produce glue-gird for us for the moment. Anyway. They will keep it in mind, and after a month or two may be able to tell better. Plans for theatre … continues