Correspondence between Megaw and Schaeffer on expropriations and funding of the seasonArthur Hubert Stanley Megaw and Claude Frédéric-Armand Schaeffer

[printed: DEPARTMENT OF ANTIQUITIES, CYPRUS.]

Stamp: Government of Cyprus crest

No. 16/4/42.

Nicosia, 6th July 1948.

Dear Dr. Schaeffer,

Thank you for your letter of 1st June. I have transmitted the enclosures to the Colonial Secretary and to Hickes. The latter is now in France with his family on route for Oxford. I dare say you will meet each other.

I felt the draft announcement very appropriate. As regards the last sentence, I suggest that this reads: "It is hoped that joint exploration of the site will begin in the course of 1949; in all instances and other matters collaboration has already begun."

I feel that some amplification of this sort is necessary to justify the expenditure of £186.13.0 from our 1947 budget on fencing, compensations etc., in addition to which "invisible" contributions as loan of staff.

If you agree would you at the same time let me know when you think the news should be released? I see no advantage in delaying the announcement.

I note that you will wish to discuss with me in autumn the question of ownership of the land jointly acquired. Meanwhile I have nothing to report concerning the negotiations for supplementary acquisition of extra plots.

As soon as George comes back from a job in the Paphos District, I shall send him to obtain tenders with Hagbag for the removal of the south dump at your north area, both from Pamayiotis contractors and from the villagers.

The stone which was collected from last year's excavations in private land in this north area was sold for £3.10.0, which was credited to your account. As previous expeditions adopted the practice of giving the stone to the owners of the land as a sort of "baksheesh" no higher bids were forthcoming. Even so every little helps.

We hope to move to our cottage this week as a heat wave has descended on us. With best wishes to you all from us both.

Yours sincerely,

Handwritten: signature

Dr. C.F.A. Schaeffer, M.A., D.Litt., Le Castel Blanc, 14 Rue Pinaud, St. Germain-en-Laye, (Seine et Oise).