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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Philip Kaplan
West Point, Calif. Box 258
March 26, 1958.
Dear Philip:
Thanks for your helpful letter, just received.
The enclosed copy of the latest letter from Kowal [Dr. John P. Kowal], Detroit, came a day after I wrote you last. It shows what help I can expect from Lund [Robert Lund].
It may, of course be that Lund does not want to show too much cooperation with me, for having a sort of bad conscience, being in possession of property which belonged to Crowley and fearing I might take some action. (Of course, I can take no legal action, the thing being from 30 to 40 years ago.)
I wrote Yorke [Gerald Yorke], and he is of the same opinion.
Still, it might just be that someone who is not directly connected with me, could get more cooperation. For that reason I wrote Yorke last week to try his hand. He has a knack to succeed.
But you are nearer, and I was very happy to receive your letter which seems practical and coming from New York may work the trick.
Yes, please take whatever steps you deem good.
Lund's story seems fishy, as Kowal wrote, in every sense. Why not give me a list of all the material, if he is sincere? After all, we don't want to take anything away from him, but, provided he is fair and decent, and come by such a chance in possession of material which was the property of someone else, and is of historical and literary importance, anyone decent, I say, would not hesitate to cooperate to the extent of giving access to it, to make notes, and, if necessary (that is if there is material which we do not possess), some copies, for which we will pay. As to the printed books, we may very probably have all of them in one form or another. The 15 odd books and manuscripts which he wants to keep, seem of particular importance.
I enclose a letter (a copy) which, on the advice of my wife I did not send.
I now hope I have give [sic] you the full details, I add the address and telephone number of Lund. I am waiting with interest whether you get anything!
Sincerely
Karl.
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