DLA003-0043  Summary and Translation

Summary:

The sender is surprised to receive de László’s letter from London – he thought he was in Paris – and regrets that they will not be able to meet, as he is returning to Hungary via Vienna – then going to the Tátra mountains for 8-10 days. He thanks de László for the invitation he enclosed [to an exhibition?] – he will go to see it.

Thinking back on their conversation in London, he understands de László’s point of view in connection with the Com. Perm. Des Congr … ?art [illegible], although he regrets it. He understands also that as de László lives in London he does not want to be a member of the Hungarian Group. He acknowledges de László’s resignation and he will inform the committee on the 12th. However, he asks de László to write a formal letter of resignation, in French or in Hungarian, and he will then present this to the committee and he will put forward a resolution to elect de László as an honorary member of the Group.

He hopes that they will continue to keep in touch and he will be interested to see de László’s book when it is published [von Schleinitz’s monograph?].

He encloses an article from the Budapesti Hírlap of 1st November – it is not well written and full of printing errors – he is not proud of it, but he feels that de László would be interested in it. Sends his regards to Lucy.

Translation:

8 rue d’Offemont

Paris 17e

7th December 1913

Much respected and dear Master

I received your letter with some surprise, as I thought you to be in Paris. My surprise is mingled with disappointment because our meeting will have to be postponed, seeing that we shall be setting out before Christmas probably for Vienna for the festivities, after which we may return to home, but more likely first spend 8-10 days at the (High) Tatra. It would be very unlikely that we would be in Paris in mid January.

We thank you very much for the invitation, we shall be going tomorrow and particular noting the care with which they were dispatched.

[Page 2]

I appreciate your view expressed in The Com. perm des Cong. article, particularly in remembering our conversation in London - Although completely understandable, it is nonetheless regrettable. I also understand that as you live in London permanently you don’t wish to be part of the Hungarian group. It would be hard to do it justice as you are unable to serve.

If your mind cannot be changed, I take note of your wish to resign, and I will let the committee know on the 12th, when our next meeting will take place.

I would, however, ask you — if it is not too tiresome — to make your resignation formal as at present I head the committee and as such I would transmit your wish to resign to them. Therefore, would you kindly by return of post write the letter either in French or in Hungarian stating that you are obliged to give up the membership. I shall take the liberty to formalise the resignation and

[Page 3]

propose your honorary membership to the committee, which they will surely endorse.

I hope that our renewed friendship will not completely cease again and, sooner or later, perhaps in Budapest, we can see each other, to which I will always sincerely look forward to.

I would be very interested to see your book; I very much look forward to its launching.

I attach a feuilleton from the 1st Nov[ember] issue of the "Budapesti Hírlap'". Perhaps it might interest you. It’s a pity that there are a number of mistakes in it and it’s not very well written either — I’m not proud of it — but maybe you who live there might find it interesting.

May I ask you to kindly transmit my admiring respect to Mme de Laszlo and allow me to salute you with a firm handshake

Zoltán Bálint

Editorial Notes:

The author is probably Zoltán Bálint (1871-1939), noted architect. Bálint built the Hungarian pavilion for the 1900 International Exhibition in Paris.

Pd’O

22/03/2009