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Correspondence from Norman Mudd to Martha Küntzel
4 Tiefestrasse, Leipzig.
24 February, 1926.
Martha Küntzel,
Cara Soror,
I write you as a co-signatory with myself of "Ein Zeugnis der Suchenden", to inform you that I can no longer subscribe my witness to its truth, and must withdraw my signature to it, as from the present date (Feb. 24, 1926). I cannot authorize any further publication of the existing documents (Manuscript and prints) unless my signature is deleted or cancelled, as testimony, in some other way.
The grounds for this decision are as follows:—
1) My conception of TO META OPHION has undergone much transformation since August 1925, when I helped draft the "Zeugnis" and subscribed my name to it. My views have become more definite and are now incompatible with the terms of the "Zeugnis", on any interpretation of them which I could regard as natural or reasonable. The essential point is that I no longer believe that TO MEGA OPHION can, at the present time, be rightly described as the World-Teacher.
2) I feel that the original significance of the "Zeugnis"—as a Zeugnis—was nullified, and its fraternal spirit stultified, by the lack of consideration and frankness with which Herr and Frau Tränker [Heinrich Tränker]—the first signatories—were treated, in all the arrangements relating to the printing and dissemination of the document.
I can only speak for myself in this matter, but I had a strong impression, almost from the start, that if they had thought
a) that the "Zeugnis" would be printed at once
b) with a view to its immediate dissemination in Theosophical circles and
c) without consulting them further on these two points—then they might quite possibly have refused their signatures, from the beginning.
I feel that I shirked a plain duty of honour to them and the other signatories, to TO META OPHION Himself, and to others, in consenting to the dissemination of the printed "Zeugnis" without previously insisting on a full discussion of the moral issues involved in the situation.
As regards myself, in fact, I do not feel that I can rebut Herr Tränker's accusation of dishonesty in the matter; and as the point of justice is also involved, I am considering what amends it may still be possible for me to make to him—whether acting alone or with others—without interfering improperly in other people's business, and without starting new mischief.
I am writing an identical letter to the other four brethren who signed the "Zeugnis" with us—excluding, that is to say, Herr and Frau Tränker; I am sending, also, a copy to 666.
If you care to write to me on any of the matters raised in this letter, I shall be very happy to have your views.
Letters addressed to me:—
c/o W.D. Mudd, Esq., 13 Victoria Avenue, INCHAN, near Douglas, Isle of Man, ENGLAND.
will be forwarded without delay.
With all good wishes,
Yours fraternally,
Norman Mudd.
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