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Show August 23, 1%1 Dr. Aziz S. Atiya 8 Wadi El-Nil Street Maadi, Egypt, U. A* ft* Dear D-. Atiya We returned from Seattle, by way of San Francisco, only last night, and today I am making your urgent letter of August 11 (sent August 13 and received here August 21) a first item of business. Your transaction puts us on the spot, since the University has already established an account for $20,000 with the National Bank of Egypt in Cairo, as we had agreed. I have just conferred with Vice President Hodson, who feels sure we can revise our instructions to the National Bank in a way to ensure their reimbursing y©u in d©llars for the purchases you describe. His letter authorizing the letter of credit already made $5,000 subject to simple withdrawal on request and signature on your part. X trust that the invoice you sent here, and which X return herewith, will be honored by the Cairo account* Mr. Hodson says it is not possible to issue the individual checks you call for. Meanwhile you have my cablegram, and perhaps have already spoken to Mr* Hodson by phone, and this is all past history. X have only admiration for your Herculean labors. I know that the ways of Middle Eastern officials and merchants are often beyond Western comprehension, and we may have a clash of cultures in the difficult but ultimately rewarding business of accumulating our library. I have felt relieved about the way we had set up the account, with its businesslike yet flexible arrangements, and it would grieve me now if they obstructed rather than served your purpose. X hear good reports about the summer Institute of World Religions held here. Dr. Read says that Sami did an excellent job* Professor Albright enjoyed his vlsitf Dr. Hoballah was most gracious. These are busy, if not harrowing, times for you, and our communications had best be functional rather than chatty* May all go well. Greetings to the family. Sincerely William Mulder Director P.S. I shall make sure that the President's office understands your Autumn Quarter absence. The agreement is a matter of record. CCs Paul Hodson |
