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April 23rd., 1937.

My Dear Mr. Watson:

May I call to your attention, as a member of the Franco-American Committee of the Paris Fair of 1937, the great interest there would be in having the art critics of the leading New York papers - and perhaps also those of some from out-or-town - invited to this exposition. 

I am writing to you on this topic in my double capacity of Frenchman and head of one of the leading international art firms. 

France has had no better ambassador than her art, and by this I am not limiting it to any particular century, but I sincerely believe that the artistic manifestations we have all held and which were representative of France's creative genius throughout the ages, have done a great deal to foster, encourage and maintain the interest - if not the love - of Americans for France. The help and support we have received from the Press at large, and particularly from the art critics of the leading New York papers (and also of certain papers in other cities) has amply shown me what their good-will does, and will, mean to France.

I consider therefore that a generous gesture on the part of the Paris Fair towards these propagandists of her glory, would be highly justified and useful.

May I count upon you to make this recommendation to the proper authorities?

As I do not know how your Committee functions, I thought of writing at this time, also to Mr. Pierre Cartier.

Believe me to be,
Yours very sincerely,

(Germain Séligmann)

Thomas J. Watson, Esq.,
778 Park Avenue,
New York, New York.