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September 4th., 1941.

Dear Mr. Hamlin:

I felt that I had to wire you as I did yesterday, as I received the visit of the owner of the Benin bronze, who seemed to be very anxious to have it returned. I told this party that I was under negotiations and that I would therefore appreciate having the possibility of keeping it awhile longer. It seems that an improvement in financial conditions as well as fear of inflation, were among the motives for withdrawing it from sale. However from the conversation I had this morning, I do hope to keep it a while longer, and would therefore be obliged for any and every effort you will be able to make to hasten a decision in transmitting to me a new offer from Baron von der Heydt, from whom I did not receive the offer which you thought was impending at the time of your letter of July 24th.

Now as regards your request for the certificate that this work of art had been "continuously within the confines of the United States since April 10th., 1940". as I am unable to obtain this and after consultation with my attorney, may I suggest that you apply for a special license for this specific work of art. At the time such application would be made all data referring to this particular work of art could be stated - its bona fide acquisition through this firm, the fact that it has been the property of the present owner prior to April 10th., 1940, etc., thus releiving the Federal Reserve Bank from all suspicion and hesitation as to the origin of the work and the ultimate recipient of the funds, whose nationality is South American.

You will realize that if I go into all these details it is in order to facilitate matters for you and myself and to enable you to acquire this work of art, should the offer be forthcoming from Baron von der Heydt.

Yours very sincerely,

(Germain Séligmann)

Chauncey J. Hamlin, Esq.,
Buffalo Museum of Science,
Buffalo, New York.