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^[[file Cleveland]]

[[left]]
LAW OFFICES
BENJAMIN, GALTON & ROBBINS

MELVIN C. ROBBINS
DAVID S. GALTON
HERMAN A. BENJAMIN
---
HAROLD M. FOSTER
DAVID E. SCHWAB, II [[/left]]

[[right]]
CABLE "BENINGAL" NEW YORK
MURRAY HILL G-7171
IRA S. ROBBINS
COUNSEL

21 EAST 40th STREET, NEW YORK 16, N.Y. [[/right]]

June 24, 1958

Mr. Henry S. Francis
Curator of Paintings & Prints
Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland 6, Ohio

Dear Mr. Francis:

Germain Seligman has turned over to me for comment your letter of May 6th as well as the letter from New York Graphic Society dated March 22nd.

There is no question that under American law the owner of a painting has all rights with respect thereto, including the right to grant reproductions. I am not familiar with the French law. Assuming, however, that the French law is as stated in the letter of New York Graphic Society, I have grave doubts of its enforceability in American courts. When a foreign law is so contrary to our public policy the courts are most adverse to enforcing such a rule.

I have not had the opportunity to see whether there are any recorded cases passed upon an attempt to force the French rule in American courts. If, however, you should wish me to do so I will be only too glad to look the matter up and report to you.

Sincerely yours,
^[[M.C.K.]]
Melvin C. Robbins

MCR:cs