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Robert Cook-
Rome-

New Address

111 East 65th Street
NEW YORK 21 NEW YORK

December 20, 1956.

Dear Robert:

After an unavoidable delay, I am writing you as promised in my recent letter, to say that I am authorized to close the matter of the picture, in accordance with the following terms, and I now authorize you to proceed with negotiations, as follows:

1. The all-inclusive figure (as you yourself suggested) with which you will begin will be Seven Million Lire (L 7,000,000) this to include the price of the picture, the export tax and commission, if any, to the brothers. (Point out to the owner the very bad condition of the picture as a clinching point!)

2. Should the owner prove adamant and reject this generous offer, you are authorized to advance to, but not beyond, Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Lire (L 7,500,000) all-inclusive. It is my belief that this higher figure will not be demanded, once you have placed a firm offer of the first figure.

3. You will make it clear that the offer is made with the firm understanding that it will hold good for twenty-four hours, take it or leave it, as my client means exactly this, and that, as you will read further down, the picture must be shipped from Rome within two weeks.

4. Should the owner reject the first figure and stipulate the latter figure or no sale (or something in between) in order to save yourself embarrassment at not having named the top figure in the beginning, you can say that you will cable your friend (me) and will get a prompt answer. Of course you need not cable but in a few hours can return to owner and say you have worked hard and have gotten her price for her. Then can proceed with details as follows:

5. Once the bargain is struck, the owner should, it seems to me, turn the picture over to your shipper....this to prevent her trying to obtain a higher offer. The owner is then to proceed with all speed to secure the export license and that at a figure which she herself will have to decide, either the entire amount or an amount which she can manage through her own channels, or through your shipper or otherwise. She will inform you how long it will take as she is apparently no stranger in that department. Here again you will have to set a time limit...a week or two but no longer.

6. When she has secured the exit permit and you and your trusted friend the shipper know it exists and is in correct order, she will turn the papers over to you and shipper. When you have these and bill of sale in hand, and after seeing the picture into the case to avoid any possibility of substitution, etc., you will turn over the check to the owner, with the certain knowledge of course, that the bill of lading and any documents necessary to secure immediate export by plane are solidly in hand.

7. As soon as the bargain is struck, you will please cable me as follows:

GLAENSTARK NEWYORK
Accepted BOB

and then write me airmail the amount payable, how things are going towards securing the export license, what shipper you are using and all other details

Transcription Notes:
Edited: changed Life to Lire