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20 October 1947
Mr P. Dikaios, Curator Cyprus Museum, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Dear friend,
Coche gives me news of you, and tells me how kind your welcome and your help were. I thank you for it. The clearing of the rampart is under way at present and I am eager to rejoin the mission. Unfortunately the strikes in France and the cholera in Egypt are against us, and our departure has just been delayed for the third time. The Providence is due to weigh anchor on Wednesday the 22nd. Let us hope that this time it is for good.
I cannot therefore reach Cyprus via Beirut before about 31 October or early November. As the excavation costs exceed our estimates, I have asked my bank to place an additional 200 pounds at the disposal of Coche and Pironin. They have also borrowed 100 pounds from the 300 deposited with the Service for the purchase of land. If, contrary to my expectation, my arrival were to be delayed again because of the health measures, I authorise you to hand over to Pironin, treasurer of the Mission, the balance of 200 pounds. I will replenish the deposit on my arrival or by order to my bank.
So I say until soon, and I ask you to present my respectful regards and remembrances to Madame Dikaios.
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