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[[preprinted]]
RITZ HOTEL
LONDON, W.1.
[[image - Ritz Hotel logo, initials R H within a rectangle, caption, HYDE PARK 8181]]
TELEGRAMS: RITZOTEL,LONDON.
[[/preprinted]]

Thursday April 3d., 1958

Dear Germain:

I have sent you a night-letter acknowledging your good letter of the 31st., and saying that I would phone Dr. Weninger for X-Ray and infra (red) photographs, this although I am not sure that there is equipment available. (I wrote in and then cut from the cable, since I knew that it would occur to you, that I hoped it would not arouse too much local interest!) )

I tried several times to raise him on the telephone but without success. I then got his house and his wife said he would be back at about 2 p.m Friday, she expects. I have the call in and will hope to have an affirmative answer. I have been reflecting on the fact that this painting has an area of around 1400 square inches, so I assume that it may be necessary to take several x-ray exposures of different important sections.

I finally received the glossy photograph of the Petrus and have airmailed it, and I feel sure that you will gain added enthusiasm from its clear detail. The expression in the faces is much more evident than can be detected in the half-tone reproductions. And in some way, one gets a better idea of the [[underlined]] impressive [[/underlined]] size of the panel. As you say, this is an unusually large work by this master but the composition is extremely satisfying.

Naturally I agree with you that there is really nothing to prevent his selling the picture to another buyer, the option to the contrary. I bank, however, on the atmosphere in which our talks were held, and his evident honesty and sincerity. We cannot overlook the possibility of a Semcesen or a Heineman though, and I am wondering whether you could not consider this important enough to advance your flying date.

One reason for this latter idea is the matter of [[underlined]] his reason for being interested in selling. [[/underlined]] I believe that he is anxious [[underlined]] not to miss [[/underlined]] the opportunity of buying into the Swiss dental equipment company. This desire on his part might give you a good bargaining position whereby a considerable saving might be made. He remarked that my visit was very ^[["]]well timed^[["]] and it was easy to see that the "[[underlined]]business[[/underlined]]" looms importantly in his thinking.

I am a little concerned about any disclosure that we have the photostat of the Panofsky letter to [[underlined]] his [[/underlined]] confrere, which after all, he may consider an invasion of his private correspondence. I know you will use the best judgment in that regard.

I will cable you the result of my telephone talk with Dr. Weninger and meantime, thanks for your kind words...

Sincerely
[[signed]] John [[/signed]]