May–December 1954

Curium

27 June 1954Dear Rodney:

Have been a little time about writing; many thoughts to think about in your letters of 6th & 15th, and I have also been away in Nicosia photographing for Jack and negotiating with authorities.

The stillwells have arrived safely and in good state, complete with all sendings, for which many thanks. Good to have them here and to feel confident that theatre-palace matters will surge ahead.

While in Nicosia I discussed Rover matters with appropriate agent. He says he thinks that the Egyptian government no longer honors carnets or triptiques or whatever they're called. He gave me necessary forms to be filled out, and will let me know positively how matters stand with regard to status quo. It Egypt is not possible, I presume we revert to status quo.

I also visited the Manager and Secretary of Cyprus Airways and laid our problem in their laps. Trading stock for transatlantic passages is unlikely out. They think it unlikely that the government would let retain accept any stock to be used, when it could be sold, for the Basilica excavations. They also brought up the point that the sale of the stock is subject to their approval. It could not be sold to any individual of whom they disapproved, and they would also be likely to say, they are as anxious to sell at a low rate to say anyone. That is to say, they are as anxious to sell at a low rate. In this circumstance, they are unwilling to undertake to try to find a buyer who will pay full rate among the present large stockholders. Some may well feel sufficiently interested in wanting to protect their holdings by buying in ours. CA officials make no promises. We will see what transpires.

Ackerstrom: think it probably a good idea for him to publish the tiles. I think also it would be a good idea for him to let us see what he says about them in his mss. before it is put out. He might well make permutations and combinations of them which could be correct.

Larry: Letter has written him in Athens and received a reply that he hopes can come to Cyprus later in the summer to deal with Sotira. Glad you let us know of his proximity.

Christophis: think it well if you do explore all possibilities of architect for Gordion in addition to him. There may well be difficulties in the way of taking him to Gordion. E.g. he may not want to leave his wife and family for so long a time; he may get interesting job offers in the interval between finish here and begin Gordion which he may not feel he can pass up. Peter Oliver expects, if government permits, to offer him job at Curium as member of Antiquities Department. He is not averse, however, to our extracting him for education in Athens and for work at Gordon, even if he made the appointment effective in September and advise see how Dick feels about his work later on in the summer and advise accordingly.