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P.S.  The new approach which Labat proposes is for him to get the Foreign Affairs Dept of State to permit him to send the painting to the Spanish Embassy in Washington as a loan for a month, or whatever, and that there you could see the painting and BUY it.  He would endeavor to get a definitive exit permit, so that it would not have to be returned.

On the face of it, this seems not a bad idea, but it is complicated and both Mme L. and I feel that after his first burst of enthusiasm, he lost interest in it.  He may know that it is not feasible.  I did not encourage or discourage his trying to see what he could do.  If he moves as he keeps his appointments, it will be the old Spanish customary way.  We waited from 9:30 to 11:30 yesterday a.m. and he merely excused himself by saying that he had had to talk with workmen.....he is an architect.  They live in a very plain flat, and there is obviously NO money to spare.

I have suggested to Mme. L. that if he endeavors to re-open the matter, she tell him that as this transaction has concluded so badly, due to his misinformation to her, that she has no assurance that she can get anywhere near the same price again from you.  She is leaving tomorrow and he is leaving for Santander this afternoon for a week.  Certainly nothing will be done for some weeks if at all.

Yours,
J.