Unnumbered pageScan 2 of 4
Printed: DEPARTMENT OF ANTIQUITIES
Printed: CYPRUS.
century date for the building in its original form and for floor V while it would solve some problems would pose others which seem to me no less serious. Consequently,while giving full weight to the objections raised in your commentary I do not wish to prejudice the matter by urging Dikaios to accept your view, certainly not before he has time to study your commentary and in the light of it to review his own opinions. I prefer to maintain a neutral attitude on the main point at issue, in the belief that from a neutral position I may be able to facilitate that rapprochement between your and his views, to which I feel confident that further thought and study and above all further evidence will ultimately lead.
I should like to say at once that there are serious objections to simultaneous excavations by the two parties. I mentioned these to you when the joint expedition was first proposed and indeed clause 4 of the memorandum assumes that we should not excavate simultaneously. Furthermore I think that the current difference of opinions as to the date of Dikaios' compound in its original form would raise a new difficulty. I cannot at the moment see what would be gained if we were able to overcome these difficulties and complete the excavation of our compound while you are at Enkomi. If we do it then, or before or after the evidence to be recovered is the same. All pottery found will be kept according to its context and will be available for inspection. Indeed it seems to me that the balance of advantage lies in completing what has to be done -- and/does not amount to much for we have no intention of destroying more of floor V than is absolutely necessary. For in this case we should have all the evidence available for you to see in September and the whole matter might then be cleared up.
In any case, while acknowledging the position that we dig at Enkomi on your invitation, your prior interest in the site and your right of editorial control over publication, I do not suppose you would claim any right to control our excavations except as regards the choice of site. Certainly I should always welcome your advice and suggestions as to how particular excavation problems should be dealt with, but any suggestion that we are excavating under your direction would not be admissible having regard to the status of the Cyprus Government in the joint expedition, which we entered on equal terms subject only to the reservations stated in the Memorandum.
You will pardon me writing to you quite frankly in this personal letter,which you will appreciate gives you my first and immediate reactions to your commentary and letter. These will now be carefully studied and when I have consulted with Dikaios and revisited the site I shall write again to give my considered proposals for the future.
Many thanks for the cheque to cover the acquisition of the further 3 plots. I am crediting your deposit with £1 for the charges on our air parcels.
Yours sincerely,
Handwritten: signature
Dr. C.F.A. Schaeffer, M.C.D.Litt. [illegible]
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