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April 19, 1947

Dear Mr. Chadourne:

Your letter of April 5th, in connection with "Le Quatorze Juillet" by La Fresnaye, surprised me considerably, having no knowledge, nor finding in my files any indication substantiating your belief of having an interest in the ultimate profits resulting from the sale of this painting. May I, before proceeding any further with this matter, correct the statement you make when you mention yourself and my firm, i.e. Jacques Seligmann & Co., Inc.

The painting by La Fresnaye was purchased from you in May 1929, 18 years ago, by the firm of De Hauke and Co., which was a corporation completely independent from the firm of Jacques Seligmann & Co., to which you refer today.

Since that date the firm of De Hauke and Co. has been dissolved and succeeded by several other corporations. Some of the assets were disposed of and others re-assigned to creditors. It happens that the "Le Quatorze Juillet" which was part of the original assets of De Hauke & Co., was acquired by me personally, and though for certain reasons, it was exhibited, shown, and referred to under the name of Jacques Seligmann & Co., to whom, however, as I said above it does not belong.

Seen, thus, from a purely legal angle, I doubt very much whether your contention could be maintained against the present owner, the more so as previously mentioned, it is 18 years since you sold this painting, and I am indeed sorry that at no time within this period did you communicate with me on this topic.

It so happens that Cesar de Hauke is at present in New York, and I sent him a copy of your letter, asking him whether he could shed some light on this matter. He has just answered, telling me that he has no official business letters in his files, either from you to De Hauke & Co. or vice-versa, referring to your interest in the picture "Le Quatorze Juillet" by La Fresnaye, but that he does recall that at the time of this purchase you were to be entitled to a share in the profits. 

If you have in your possession letters that contradict these statements, I would be indeed glad to hear from you in this connection.

However, now that I have expressed to you my surprise and also explained the purely business angle, or should I say legality of the situation, and should you feel

that from a purely social point...….

t.s.v.p.

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