Unnumbered pageScan 1 of 2
No. 36/36
TELEPHONE No. 61
Printed: crest of the Cyprus Government
DEPARTMENT OF ANTIQUITIES, CYPRUS.
Nicosia, 21st May 1947.
Dear Dr. Schaeffer,
I am now able to report the result of the first negotiations to acquire the seven plots listed in your letter of 30th March. They are as follows:
| Plot. | L.R.O. Valuation (£13 per donum) | Result. |
| 260 | £ 80 | owner accepts. |
| 261 | £ 82 | owner asks £160. |
| 263 | £ 42 | owner asks £30 per donum. |
| 264 | £ 23 | owner accepts. |
| 330 | £160 | owners ask £30 per donum. |
| 333 | £127 | owners ask £30 per donum. |
| 352 | £104 | owners ask £30 per donum. |
This is disappointing and it is necessary for you to review the whole proposal to acquire the site. There are I think only three alternatives:
(1)Not to buy at present, hoping that land values will fall, or the owners in changed circumstances become more moderate in their demands.
(2)To buy at the prices which the owners now ask, so far as funds are available.
(3)To invoke the powers which we have to buy land compulsorily for excavation purposes, in the hope that the result of going to arbitration or to Court will be to fix the compensation to be paid to those who do not accept the official valuation at figures considerably below their demands (though probably also considerably above the valuation figures).
As regards (1) it is necessary to consider the compensation which will have to be paid for non-cultivation of the area affected which will increase as the area extends. We are negotiating with the owners on your behalf in respect of the season 1946/47 and hope to settle all claims for £59. (We have refused one claim for £20 for damage to crops grown in areas where the earth from the dig was spread). The area in question is supposed rather small compared with what will be opened eventually.
As regards (2) I am doubtful whether the Government would agree to share the cost of purchases at the high rates asked by some of the owners. On the basis of the L.R.O. valuation the proposal that the Government and the Expedition should share the cost of acquisition was viewed sympathetically, but it must be expected that any Government contribution will be subject to the proviso that the land can be secured on satisfactory terms.
As to (3), I am bound to emphasise the possible adverse effect which compulsion might have on the relations /between
Dr. C.F.A.Schaeffer, M.A. D.Litt., Le Castel Blanc, 14 Rue Turgot,St.Germain-en-Laye, (Seine et Oise).
65 figures hard to readstruck struck outadded written in above” jug ditto, and what it repeatsword reading not certain