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TELEPHONE, GRANT 4100  CABLE ADDRESS BUFSCI

BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
HUMBOLDT PARK
BUFFALO, NEW YORK

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT  [[image]]  July 24, 1941

Jacques Seligmann & Co
5 East 57th Street
New York City

Gentlemen

I understand that Baron Eduard von der Heydt has written directly to your firm offering to purchase the Benin Bronze. In case this offer should be accepted, as I understand it, the Baron would want to pay for it through some funds that he has here in this Country in an account that is now blocked.

I have been looking after the Baron's interest in this matter in a way and have been in consultation with the Government in regard to the possible purchase of works of art with the use of these funds. I find that one of the conditions that will be attached to any such purchase, in case the funds are released, will be the requirement that a sworn certificate be presented to the Government at the time of purchase that the objects to be purchased have been continuously within the confines of the United States since April 10, 1940, that being the date when Executive order was issued blocking certain foreign accounts.

I should like to inquire at this time as to whether you would be able to furnish such a sworn certificate?

Yours very truly

Chauncey J. Hamlin

CJH/hp

Transcription Notes:
. image: logo of BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES