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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Louis Wilkinson
K. J. GERMER 260 West 72nd Street New York 23, N.Y. Endicott 2-6799
December 13, 1947.
Louis Umfraville Wilkinson, Esq. c/o Westminster Bank Limited Shaftesbury Avenue London W.C.1.
Dear Mr. Wilkinson,
Knowing your address from the copy of Aleister Crowley's Will which arrived a few days ago, and having had to write a letter in reply to questions asked by the deceased's solicitors, I take this opportunity of writing to you and enclosing copy of that letter.
You can imagine that I am frightfully busy these days and you would oblige me if you could pass on this copy to Mr. Symonds [John Symonds], and, if necessary to Lady Harris [Frieda Harris]. I am unable to write all the letters that I ought and would wish to.
The letter explains itself. May I tell you that I am somewhat worried lest a hitch might arise. Aleister's affairs were a bit complicated; he has innumerable enemies, who persecute him beyond death (as some articles published in America after his death show; I saw one in "Time", one in "Newsweek" of Dec. 15.) I do not care much about his personal property that he left, and the cash, except that the latter should serve to pay for lawyers, funeral, personal debts, and obligations that he has to printers and binders of the books he had in the press and ought to be far advanced by now.
What I, and all of my friends, are most concerned about is the safety of his files, letters, MSS. etc. etc. Then, of course, any of the magical books that he may have left. Third, not last, but most important also, the original of the Book of the Law, The copy of The Stele [Stele of Revealing], and the Seal Ring. I have no doubt you together with the co-executors have seen to it that they are safe. But it would relieve me much to hear it from you.
The only facts of the funeral I have so far is that contained in that vile article of "Newsweek". It seems then that the press took notice, even making dirty remarks of the few who dared to remain loyal to the man to the last. I would be grateful to you for any details of how Aleister died; who was present; if the funeral was held as directed or requested in his Will; who read the various passages; where the Urn is and who keeps it; and many more questions. There is no substitute for a single personal talk, and that has been impossible for me. (My renewed request for visa has been finally and definitely turned down by the British authorities.) Was Gerald Yorke present?
I would much like to get all press and magazine clippings that have appeared on the occasion of A.C.'s death, and that may appear after it. Do you know a reliable press clipping agency in London to whom I could give the order for this? I would prefer to have the clippings in duplicate. Of course, I guarantee all costs. If you would ask them to send me the bill, I will mail my check at once.
There is one subject that I might mention now? Has anything further been done about the Commentary to the Book of the Law, that you had taken in hand? Aleister did not keep me informed. I know there are many other things I would like to write to you about, but I am utterly fagged out, so I'll let this go as it is. The name Aleister Crowley will be resurrected and placed where it belongs. There are few friends on this side, but they are worth more than a million mere followers.
Sincerely yours,
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