Letter from Megaw to Schaeffer about the excavation house and the carArthur Hubert Stanley Megaw

Stamp: embossed Cyprus Government seal

No.......36/36.

21st April 1947

Dear Dr. Schaeffer,

Thank you for your letter of 30th March. According to my notes your trial trenches which disclosed the northern town wall were in plot 260, so I have opened negotiations through the Commissioner for the acquisition of the seven plots you mention.

The Cyprus Government has in hand my recommendation for equal expenditure on these acquisitions but funds are not likely to be granted until negotiations are complete and it is known what the exact cost of the plots will be.

I have made sketch plans of a small excavation house of the type you indicate and am enquiring in Enkomi as to the approximate cost. Also as to the possibility of placing it on Government land, thus saving the cost of purchasing the site. I think the Government would contribute to the cost if the proposal for joint operations goes through.

As to motor cars, it depends very much what type of car you want. Comfortable medium-sized saloon cars are fairly easily obtained. We could arrange for one to be kept for you in August. The following are examples of prices for English cars of normal post-war quality delivered in Cyprus with freight and import duty paid:

"STANDARD" 14 H.P. £610 (importer D.J.Demades).

"CITROEN" (made in England) 15.8 H.P. £645 (less £25 dscount) (importer L. Frankeskides).

There are similar cars of other makes available at higher prices. There are also smaller ones, costing less but probably unsuitable for your purposes. I dare say, however, you want something that will be more an expedition car than a family car. And as you think of using it in Turkey and Syria something more powerful, tougher and larger than the mass-produced saloon cars would be more suitable. You may therefore prefer a "Ford"or Chevrolet "Station-wagon", the type with a wood-framed body and glass windows all round. These carry six or more passengers and have plenty of room for equipment at the back. I think thay are ideal for field work, though perhaps less comfortable than a saloon car. The first post-war models (made in Canada) have only just begun to arrive but there is a great demand for them and there might be difficulty in getting one this year. They are 30 H.P. and cost £700 to £750.

Another possibility is a "Ford"Pick-up. This is like a small truck with seats for three in front (including driver) and an open body behind to carry a load of half a ton. A canvass cover and seats could be added to the body. These are 30 H.P., cost about £500 and are available. Would you let me know which type you prefer so that I can put your name on the appropriate waiting list?

Yours sincerely,

Handwritten: signature

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