Letter from Megaw to Schaeffer on expropriationsArthur Hubert Stanley Megaw

between your expedition and the villagers. Mr.Dikaios who has experience of such problems attaches importance to this factor. On the other hand the Director of Land Registration & Surveys, whose opinion is given in the enclosed letter, considers that those people are asking now more than they expect to get and that the result of using compulsory powers would be to secure the property for substantially less than the owners are now demanding.

I hope I have given you enough information to enable you to decide on the next step to be taken.

I am glad to say that I have better news for you on another matter. Mr. C.P.Manglis of the Greek mining Company tells me that he could probably spare you the quantity of "decanville" wagons and track which you asked us to try and get you.

I now expect to be here until about June 11th. After that Dikaios will be available to deal with anything you want done before you come yourself.

Handwritten: With best regards from us both,

Yours sincerely,

Handwritten: signature

YCS.

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 £9. (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 purchase at the high rates asked by some of the owners. On the basis of the E.R.O. valuation the proposal that the Government and the Expedition should share the cost of compulsion 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

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