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[[preprinted]]
FROM:
THE HON.
SIR PETER RAMSBOTHAM KCMG

BRITISH EMBASSY
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20008
TELEPHONE: (202) 462-1340
[[/preprinted]]

The Honorable
S Dillon Ripley
Secretary
The Smithsonian Institution
Washington DC

15 January 1976

^[[My dear Dillon]]

This is just to confirm in writing what I told you last week.  When I was received by The Queen at Buckingham Palace last month, I discussed with Her your proposal that She should honour the memory of James Smithson by a visit to his resting place in the Castle, and undertake a short and formal ceremony there, to be followed by a visit to the exhibition of London Treasures, also in the Castle.

I am delighted to report that Her Majesty has graciously agreed to do this on the afternoon of Thursday 8 July, arriving at the Castle at 3 pm and leaving afterwards at 3.30 pm for the National Gallery of Art for a brief visit to the "Eye of Jefferson" Exhibition.  If there are to be adjustments to this timing, I shall let you know.  The visit will only be made public much nearer the time.  Prince Philip will not accompany The Queen, as he will have another commitment elsewhere at the time. 

I also what to tell you that The Queen's librarian, Mr. Robin Mackworth Young, has been commissioned to study the possibility of some Royal recognition of Smithson.  As soon as I know the results of his study, I shall write to you again.

^[[Yours, as ever
Peter Ramsbotham]]