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114. From Franz Boas[1]
New York, 7 April 1921
My dear Sir,
You are familiar with the work that is being carried on by the Emergency Society
in Aid of German and Austrian Science and
Art.[2]
We want to be sure that the
funds that we provide are used in such a manner that they will help in the best way
possible, not only to prevent the threatened breakdown of intellectual work but that
they will also help toward a reconciliation of the scientists who are still torn by
political and racial antagonism. As you are aware, the funds which we provide are
utilized for the maintenance of journals the existence of which is in danger, for the
support of research that cannot be carried on for lack of funds and for the support
of young scientists, who without such help may have to give up their scientific
career.[3]
I shall be glad to have a brief expression from you telling us whether, in your
opinion, the course which we are pursuing is a wise one, whether the urgency of
help is as great as we believe it to be. For any suggestions which you may be able
to make we shall of course be greatly indebted.
Yours very truly,
Franz Boas.
Translator’s note: Original written in English.
115. To Carl Beck
New York, 8 April 1921
Dear Dr. Beck,
Please excuse my not answering you by wire as suggested by yourself; I could
not do so because the question required serious consideration and is too compli-
cated to be dealt with by telegram.
My journey to America was quite unexpected; practically on the morrow of my
writing to you I received an urgent call from Dr. Weizmann, the president of the
Zionist Organization, to go with him to America in order to assist in securing the
support of the American Jewry for the proposed University of
Jerusalem.[1]
This
scheme being very dear to me, I felt bound to accept. At the same time I intend to