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RS:R

November 18th, 1938 

Dear Mr. Harding: 

I happened to go downtown this morning and went to your office to call on you. 

I had just received a telephone call from Miss Walther telling me that you were writing to me -- which I appreciate very much -- in reference to the loan of the Raeburn portrait. From the conversation I had with Miss Walther I understand that you would prefer not to lend the picture at the moment as it was planned to go into an exhibition. 

I should appreciate it greatly if you would reconsider this decision as the person whom we have in mind in Paris has already been approached and is interested in the picture of which he has seen the photograph. He is a very substantial South American who has properties in different parts of France and who is seldom in Paris. 

The fact that I received a cable two days ago from my brother means that this gentleman is in Paris and also is in the market at the moment. 

Therefore, you will realize that if we ask you for the picture to send it to Paris it is because we feel strongly that there is a substantial chance of doing business. 

The reason we haven't heard sooner from Paris is because my brother who is over there is a very careful and conscientious person who probably wanted to ascertain his client's desire to buy before notifying us; chiefly after the war scare which prompted him to cable us at that time not to send the picture over. 

As this painting has been seen already in New York by quite a number of people, don't you think there would be a better chance of selling it abroad than here, mainly because of the circumstances which I have mentioned 

t.s.v.p 

RS