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Feb. 8, 1952

Dear Mr. Ihara:

Thank you for your good letter of January 14th. I would have written sooner but I was anxious to see Mr. Washburn personally before communicating with you again. Fortunately, I saw him on Wednesday and so was able to learn and discuss a number of things.
First Carnegie Institute is now in the process of taking up the matter of clearance from the military government on this side. Also, Mr. Washburn apparently has come to some definite conclusion as to the number of artists to be invited. He told me he would write you as soon as he returns to Pittsburgh, which will be the early part of next week.
I mentioned your consternation regarding the execution of work within the last 5 years. He felt that at this time and in this particular case, the situation warranted special treatment. Therefore, do not be over concerned about it.
When you receive the invitation list from Mr. Washburn, may I suggest that you try and get the insurance valuations on each painting from the artists. Usually in the U. S. paintings are insured at two thirds of their value. Undoubtedly Mr. Washburn will suggest this in his letter for he will have to know the individual valuations as well as the total sum so as to insure the works the minute they leave the country until they are returned to Japan again.
I understand that the 1952 International will be expanded and that not only will it be shown in Pittsburgh for two months but arrangements are being made to show the entire exhibition in San Francisco for a month. Therefore your paintings will be here one month longer than anticipated and San Franciscans will have a chance to see your work. However, you will be more fully informed of the details by Mr. Washburn when he communicates with you.
By the way, did you hear from Mr. Okada recently? Did he tell you that friends of Carnegie [[strikethrough]]International[[/strikethrough]] Institute intended visiting Japan shortly and were anxious to know the art galleries to visit? I took the liberty[[strikethrough]]of[[/strikethrough]] of sending them a letter of introduction addressed to you as suggested by Mr. Okada. I hope I am not imposing, but felt sure that your knowledge of the dealers and galleries would be of great help to them if they did contact you. Your courtesy and assistance will be fully appreciated.
I am looking forward to seeing the work of Japanese contemporaries here in this country at last. Each letter brings it [[strikethrough]]colse[[/strikethrough]] closer.
With all best personal regards and greetings,
Sincerely,
Mr. Usaburo Ihara
Nihon-Bijutsuka-Remmei     Gofukubashi, Nihonbashi Chuo-ku
Naruse Bldg., 1, 3-chome   Tokyo, Japan