|
Correspondence from Karl Germer to Jane Wolfe
K. J. GERMER 260 West 72nd St. New York, N. Y.
March 27, 1944
Dear Jane,
93
Yours of March 20th was a surprise with the news about Wilfred [Wilfred Talbot Smith]. It is only to-day that I received Roy's [Roy Leffingwell] letter on the subject of the same date (but with false address, therefore the delay.) I am really glad about this. Firstly, because of Wilfred himself, to whom Frederick [Frederick Mellinger] sticks unflinchingly, secondly, because this should give Jack [Jack Parsons] a greater sense of responsibility, and independence. Let him show what he can do.
I am glad you are the secretary-treasurer. I have not the faintest idea on what sum you should be able to collect and transfer per month, nor am I curious. I know well enough that this financial angle has in the past been the great point of friction in my dealings with Agape [Agape Lodge]. I have had many a conversation with Frederick on that point and I would really love Jack to have the feeling and conviction that I do want him to act in the transfers without knowing that I am or wish to stick my nose in, and I have written A.C. to-day in that sense.
I transfer monthly, as you know, and the fee of my bank is $2.59 for any sum up to $200. For sums cabled above that it is $2.84. The fee is so low because these cables go by Night Letter to London. I feel sure that the banks in California have a similar service. I don't think there is any possibility for you to mail to a bank in New York, and then have them transfer by cable from here. However, this is a matter to find out there. I transfer through the National City Bank. They have an office in London, know A.C. and telephone him when a cable has arrived. This cuts down delays. Please find out whether that bank has an office in Los Angeles and discuss the matter with them. May-be they could then mail your payment to N.Y. and have it cabled at their usual rate from here. Should this not be possible, and if the direct cabling charges be too high, it would, of course, cause much unnecessary expense.
If, after maturely thinking this matter over and discussing it with Jack, you should wish to decide to mail the transfer to me to include with mine, I'll of course, comply—though I do not ask it. There is the other possibility: to mail it to Frederick and ask him to go thru the required formalities. But again: he is tied to his job from 8 to 5 p.m. and would not be able to go to the bank except at lunch time. I want you all to act entirely on your own decision in this whole matter.
No, I don't think there need be any conflict between Max's [Max Schneider] courses and Agape. No reason why they should not supplement Agape, if members of both would avoid all kinds of gossip carried back and forth.
Here's wishing you all the best success in the world.
93 93/93
Love from both Sascha [Sascha Germer] and myself,
Karl
P.S. A word on Joe Miller and Ray Burlingame and Mildred [Mildred Burlingame]. I take it that they all want to join Agape as good members. I think you should take a firm stand with Joe. Outside of his $10 which he sent me 9 months ago with the unrestricted promise to send more and monthly, I have not received one cent from him, and my letter about this to him evoked very nasty replies. Georgia [Georgia Schneider] has talked to him on the subject and I am of the opinion that he has to learn to complete a very serious defect in his nature. A member who has been given the IX° should feel the gratitude to his Order that gave it to him, quite apart from usual considerations.
I have found Ray as well as Mildred the most generous people I have ever met. Is it their knowing that every cent they gave went to A.C. boosted their enthusiasm? Please avoid damping this. It is too fine a quality to be treated lightly. I would like them to know that they continue just the same with Agape as they did when writing me direct, and will, if I find the time, tell them so,
K.
Frederick told me he informed Jack on March 19 or 20, never mentioning his intention to me before. I think he did it on the spur of the moment.
K.
|