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3 East 51st. St.,
New York, N.Y.
September 19th., 1939.

Dear César:

My sending you a typewritten note at this time is due to the fact that my nerves don't seem to be sufficiently well balanced to allow me to keep a pen on the paper for any length of time and I am sure that you will understand.

I am still here and awaiting orders which might come at any moment.

As you know, I returned to the States in the very first days of August, to go to Canada, and when I felt that things were going from bad to worse in Europe I returned to New York, where I have been ever since. I was worrying about you as I knew, remembering what had happened last year, that if I didn't pull you "by the nape of the neck" you would get stuck until it was too late. It was therefore great relief to get your cables from Paris.

We also duly received your letter from Bucharest, as well as the one written from your cargo boat on the Mediterranean. I need not tell you that we are going to do our level best to carry out your wishes and I am glad that René- as far as your apartment is concerned- is going to take it, so that you will know that it is in good hands.

As regards the other items, I am leaving them in the hands of Liechti, and I think, as I told you already last year, Melvil Robbins will be actually in charge of the firm and he knows my friendship for you so that as long as the firm will be able to carry on, he will be guided by your letters.

By now I surmise you are wearing a uniform, but I am wondering what sort of a job they are going to give you, as without hurting your feelings, you are no "spring chicken" any more and never having been in the army before, they are probably going to make a "softie" out of you. 

There is no use talking about business, as there isn't any, and furthermore because I trust you are in no very receptive mood! I myself have a lot of trouble concentrating on business matters these days and trying "to make conversation". 

In a couple of days the repeal of the Neutrality Bill is going to be discussed and by the time this letter is delivered to you it will have become an old story and you will have known the ultimate result. Everyone seems, however, to be convinced that it is going to be repudiated. Some even go as far as to say that ere long this country will have taken sides with us - but as I don't want to be misled by wishful thinking, I prefer not to have any opinion on the topic. Nevertheless, one can safely say that the quasi-totality of this country is against Hitler and Stalin. 

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