stefansson-wrangel-09-13-029-001b

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however, did not reach here until late Sunday night and the Star
printed their dispatch on Saturday!

I acquainted V. S. with my views regarding the rights of the
Alliance and suggesred that they would be willing to pay $5,000 and
he cabled me authorizing me to accept the offer if made.

Pickering is away for a couple of days and I have done nothing
further in the matter. I cannot do much anyway until I hear from
Noice regarding the extent of the material in his possession.

Another difficulty presents itself to my mind. Crawford's story
is probably the property of his heirs. Can V.S. undertake to edit and
publish it without Crawford’s parents consent? It may be that this
has already been obtained, but in another cable V. S. asks me to
advise the boys' relatives of his intention to publish the diaries and
to distribute the proceeds.

I enclose a copy of a letter which I have written to Maurer’s
mother. A similar letter has been sent to Knight's father, Galle's
mother and also to Maurer's wife. I have hesitated, however, to
write to the Crawfords and I would like to suggest that you take the
matter up with them (if it has not already been done) and advise them
of V. S.'s offer and secure their acquiescence.

I presume the $5,000 from the N.A.N.A. (if eventually offered and
accepted) will also go to this fund. In addition will be magazine and
book rights. The latter have already been offered to Macmillans and
their acceptance awaits only information as to the extent of the
material, or so I imagine.

If the Crawfords are agreeable. (Or if you can deal independently
of them). And if when Noice advises me as to the extent of the material
in his possession, the Alliance are willing to go through with the
purchase on the basis of the tentative offer already made me, I
shall have a contract drawn up and signed by Pickering and shall
forward it to you for your signature, if this is agreeable to you.

Yours sincerely,