Letter from Ernest Jones to Sigmund Freud, November 11, 1913

11 November 1913
69 Portland Court, London

Dear Professor Freud,

I wrote fully last night to Ferenczi and perhaps he will forward it to you. I enclose Abraham's letter, which seems almost identical with mine in sentiment (willingness to act if necessary, but appreciation of the difficulties and desire not to put ourselves through over-haste into a false position that would only be to our disadvantage).

I now also enclose a letter of Putnam's that came this morning; will you please return it after you have shown it to whomever you wish. You will see from it how unlikely it is that he could be got to take action against Jung, unless there was the strongest objective reason, for he does not share our attitude. And Putnam is more on our side than anyone in America except Brill and McCurdy!

From a letter of McCurdy's this morning I quote the following passage: “Jung is bound to blow up sooner or later and it is my fervent prayer that he won't be too firmly bound to the Internationale Vereinigung when the eruption occurs. (McC. considers J. to be mentally disordered.). It certainly behoves us all to have a sane President for the next Congress.” He also gives me the news that they have formed a ψα a Verein1 on Ward's Island, with August Hoch as President and himself as secretary. Their influence will be all on our side scientifically, though I don't suppose we could count on the group for [scientific]2 political action except McC..

I suggested to Ferenczi that we postpone action until after Christmas, and that he, Abraham and I come to Vienna to consult with you all by that time—a full committee meeting. By then I could also have written and got replies from the leading Americans.

Hart has joined the London group.

I wish someone, e.g. Rank, could find time to inform Abraham and myself of the details, especially of the reasons for haste. Did Abraham see my last letter?

Yours very cordially

Jones.