Washington
May 22, 1946
Dear Mrs. Force:
This is in acknowledgment of the letter to the President, signed by yourself and Dr. Frederick M. Clapp, Director, The Frick Collection, with which you enclosed a resolution signed by ninety-five of your colleagues in connection with the two hundred valuable paintings removed from Germany to this country for safekeeping.
These paintings were removed to this country last year on the basis of information to the effect that adequate facilities and personnel to ensure their safekeeping did not exist in Germany. Our military authorities did not feel that they could take the responsibility of safeguarding them under such conditions and it was therefore decided that they would have to be shipped to this country until such time as they could safely be returned to Germany. It was realized at the time that this action might lead to criticism but it was taken, nevertheless, because it was considered that the most important aspect was to safeguard these priceless treasures. It was hoped that the President’s pledge that they would be returned to Germany, contained in a White House press release on September 26, 1945, would satisfy those who might be critical of this Government’s motives.
I know of no plans to make any further shipments of art objects from Germany to the United States nor of any plans for the exhibition of the two hundred paintings now in this country. While a definite date for the return of these pictures has not as yet been set, I can assure you that this Government will honor its pledge to effect their return as soon as conditions warrant.
Very sincerely yours,
(signed) William D. Hassett
Secretary to the President.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington
May 22, 1946