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23 September 1927
Vienna, IX. Berggasse 19
Dear Jones,
When I think that a few days ago I had the opportunity to talk to you personally, I have to regret that two events did not occur somewhat earlier. Discussions by letter are a poor substitute.
The first is a letter from Brill, the first in I do not know how many years. He does not spare me the reproaches that he feels justified in making. But he assures me that he and they all “shall remain absolutely loyal to you and your principles”.1 Furthermore, he has heard that I intend to force the N.Y. Society out of the Association, but “J. should feel very sorry if anything like this should occur”.2 I sent a friendly but sharp and candid answer, pointing out to him how he has disappointed me and of us. With a clear conscience I could dispute that I intended to force the Americans to withdraw, but I made no secret of my conviction that we should lose nothing as colleagues, or on a scientific or material level, if they wanted to secede. Perhaps he will be offended now, but, in any case, he already was. When he overcomes his touchiness, which stems from a guilty conscience, a good relationship may still ensue. In any case, I am changing my own tactics late enough as it is; instead of coaxing anyone who is disaffected, I will not suppress my personal dissatisfaction.
I am also writing to you with such an aim in mind. I do not understand your attitude in this matter. At the Congress it was you who threatened with the secession of the N.Y. Society. But you were also in favor of publishing the arguments in my supplement,3 which were sure to offend the N.Y. Society, and which I had written only for friends without the intention of making them public. Are you pursuing a particular aim or are you yielding to your inclination to make yourself unpleasant?