Vienna IX, Berggasse 19
December 18, 1923

Dear Mr. Wittels

Not to acknowledge and express thanks for a Christmas present that deals so copiously with the recipient would be an act of rudeness for which special motives would have to be provided. I declare with satisfaction that in our case no such motives exist. Your book1 is not unkind, not too indiscreet; it testifies to serious interest and, as was to be expected, to your art of writing and describing.

Needless to say, I would never have desired or promoted such