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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
January 7, 1948.
Dear Mr. Wilkinson,
This morning I have had a conference with my lawyer and I thought I'd write you again. I want to mention two points.
The first is, that absolute claim on the cash of £460 that was found in Aleister Crowley's possession. I have checked my records and want to tell you that the total that I have sent to Mr. Crowley from January 8th 1947 to November 5th 1947 was £1027 (One thousand and twenty-seven Pounds Sterling). Since 1946 the plan of printing Liber Aleph and The Golden Twigs were seriously discussed and in February-March 1947 I urged A.C. to go ahead with the books and promised to defray the costs. In March several cables were exchanged between A.C. and myself referring to whether we should print in the U.S.A. or here. Then he cabled me March 28th that his printer was resuming work and promised the first proofs "before the End of May"; and another cable of April 28, 1947 "Please Wire 1200 First Proof Liber Aleph Due May 12th". Therefore I cabled him $1400 on May 14th.
I can't see how there can be the slightest doubt about the justice of this claim.
Naturally, once this money is released, I want it used for the debts to the printer, doctor, Mr. Watson [Herbert Watson], funeral, etc. and expenses at your end.
Kindly inform the Official Receiver in unmistakeable terms of this claim. I do not know how and to whom I would have to write, otherwise I would ask my lawyer to write to him.
However, there is another thought that has been occupying my mind ever since I heard that Aleister Crowley was an undischarged bankrupt. I would go to a lot of trouble and make sacrifices to remove that odium from his name. However, as I pointed out in my recent letter to you my means are limited. From your letter I heard for the first time that his total debts amounted to about £3000, on which, it appears, a part has been paid to the creditors from the assets at the time of the bankruptcy.
Would there be a possibility of arriving at an agreement with the old creditors if I were to pay them a percentage of their claims, which cannot be high, of course. I could promise about 5%; may-be I could go a little higher.
I think I could promise this within six months.
I make this proposal as a suggestion to hear your and the co-executor's views on this. If you consider it wise under the general circumstances which you know better, I suggest that you consult the matter with a lawyer and make the proper proposal to the legal authorities who handle such matters.
The condition is, naturally, that against such payment from me I receive a proper discharge or other legal document which clears the name of Aleister Crowley from this undischarged bankruptcy matter. Furthermore, that I have an assurance that the Will made by A.C. will be strictly carried out, and that no obstacles are raised in any way.
To be complete let me say, that I could probably pay half of the percentage involved immediately, and the balance within six months from date of the signing of the agreement with the creditors.—I wish I'd have the exact amount of the debts involved as they are to-day. Naturally, as I mentioned before, his present debts would all be paid from the £460 which he left in cash.
Kindly let me know your views on this at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely yours,
Karl Germer
When will I get the detailed list of papers, files, Mss, and books and other belongings that were found? Without this I'm hanging completely in the air.
K.G.
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