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Nov. [[strikethrough]] 29 [[/strikethrough]] 30, 1951.

Dear Mr. Funato:
I am sorry it has taken this long to reply to your letter but I believe we have the project under way now.

Mrs. Eloise Spaeth and Mr. Hudson Walker of the American Federation of Arts and I had a meeting again the other day regarding the Mainichi sponsored International Exhibition in Japan next May. We assume from your last letter that Mainichi is willing to bear all the expenses for the exhibition. With this understanding, the Federation agreed to go ahead. By the way, may I repeat that no one is charging a fee. The approximate sum I quoted is to cover the expenses in handling the works of art from here, and also their safe return. 

Some days ago, I explained to Mr. Fujimoto of your New York office that it will take some time to select the paintings. Also that the [[strikethrough]] expenses [[/strikethrough]] costs depend on the work involved, the rates for inter-state shipping, packing, etc. However, I have prevailed upon Mrs. Spaeth to send you a tentative list of the artists and an explanation of the [[strikethrough]] costs [[/strikethrough]] charges. You will hear from her directly. She will also, as time grows closer, have more detailed information for you as to other pertinent matters regarding the shipment. 

I want to explain to you that I have thought it best not to serve on the committee of selection. First of all, being an artist myself it complicates matters. Secondly, I am connected with Artists Equity Association and I feel a responsibility to the membership. However, the plan is to ask a few Museum Curators 3 or 4 to make the choices and I am sure it will be put in competent hands.

Since I felt we had arrived at an understanding and that everything was in order, I have asked the Federation to carry on from here. I will stay on the planning committee (Mrs. Spaeth and Mr. Walker) to see that this important project is fulfilled, but from now on Mrs. Spaeth will communicate with you directly.

American artists and the Federation are very much interested in this exhibition and feel it is an important step in widening our path of understanding. 

My very best wishes and holiday greetings, 
Sincerely yours, 
Mr. Kokichi Funato
The Mainichi Newspapers
Yuraku-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, Japan