August 16, 1960
My dear Willie:
There have been short but not inconvenient delays in my sailing hour, which has left some time on my hands—very good for psychic recovery from pressures. I think all details have been covered and there is some time for relaxation.
The first relaxation resulted in my going to the village to a poetry meeting. The group, though small, was highly intelligent and I was easily the oldest person there. What I was struck with and their leader did not see at all, was the relation of this group to contemporary movements in art. Even the poets themselves thought they were school-less. But through the study of postimpressionism and abstract art, the readings were entirely lucid to me and enjoyable as well.
The immediate result has been a number of impressions which may become inspirations, which might lead to my writing verse on board ship entirely coordinate to what I have been learning at Rudolph’s. The second point is that I am making contacts and even friendships of younger people. My whole sojourn in New York, in an exaggerated fashion might be reported: Older generation 10/90; people around 40, 60/40; younger generation 90/10. This leaves two surpluses—more success than “failure” in the middle group; and the successes usually with those who seem destined to live on and the failures usually with those not so destined.
Going over my trip across the country I am struck with the new tone of the Kennedy campaign. There is a joke going around that if he continues there will not be enough enrollment at M.I.T. and Harvard to warrant continued sessions and he replied: “That is what I am working for.” But I find M.I.T. and Harvard so far beyond even the educational levels of the country as a whole; and utterly out of range of the press that one cannot get a focus. If one does not try, but rides the wind or the waves it will only lead to happiness and assurance.
I visited a technical book store yesterday and after the clerk assured me that there were no books in any of my lines in the place found one on chemical testing of soils. We then had a pleasant talk and he gave me a catalogue. This catalogue is the big thing. It shows how far America is actually ahead in scientific accomplishment; it also shows that no one person can keep up with the tides and times.
Galbraith of Harvard and Rostow of M.I.T. are possibly the greatest social thinkers America has ever produced. I heard this in Cleveland and was forcefully converted. I have seen no signs otherwise. We have great men. The press looks down on them. The “Times” has a staff half-way between even good commentators and these men and has made the fourth Estate as a whole uneasy. Thus C.B.S. with a grand array of “brand names” gave utterly stupid reports of the conventions while N.B.S. with a much smaller staff, was keenly aware of be rise of the intellectuals. Men like Murrow and Lowell have had their day and don’t know it. Even the Alsops don’t understand and the pundits like Lawrence and Lippman are way off.
I have not met too many professors but my impression is that they are typical and more aware of the world than of their campus. Certainly Ford Foundation has endowed those institutions which I admire and skipped those I deplore. And in contacting the young I find far more open-mindedness, sense of justice and information than the papers or even the serious magazines will accept.
There is no longer conformity. A few go off the deep end socially; or rather there are all sorts of deep ends today. The college boys and girls both for selfish and unselfish reasons accept their professors as against the press and magazines. New books may flood the market but it is generally new ideas which hold.
The response of the public to Shakespeare is 10 times as great as to the ball games here. What an item for anti-communist propaganda! But that is exactly what you can’t get over. The press will decry and deplore the non-attendance at the ball parks. The movies, en masse, gain smaller and smaller audiences. Some day some producer will turn out Shakespeare even for the sake of school instruction; or will stick to the better plays of all times from the Greeks down and will be amazed at the response. The little theaters were drawing huge crowds in Massachusetts and small press notices. The movies the opposite—perhaps because of the paid ads. Thus there salvation of America.
So when I rise to self-defense, and I do, I find now a tremendous response from all sorts of people who know these things and want a crystallization of the intellectual as against, the emotional outlook. Taxi-drivers, strangers, college students, even the “average man” is in line. On the political side here it is largely a question as to whether Father Joseph Kennedy is or is not worse than Richard Nixon—this is negative, but may be determinate. Personally I have so long campaigned for Stevenson as our U.N. representative and Chester Bowles as Sect. of State I can’t say anything. I have stuck out my neck and kept it out and it seems the whole country is now in line. I deliberately made friends with three Congressmen and all have gone up and up since I was in Washington. I am leaving with a feeling of strong American goodwill and a sense that this country is not only safe, of basically most honorable.
Samuel
[about October 9, 1960]
Dear Willie:
Here is a copy of a letter to my close friend, Rudy Olsen, who is also my travel agent.
I have little time to write more for in addition to endless series of conferences I have been asked to submit papers which may become the basis of lecture on how to promote better American-Asian relationships.
I hope the carbon is readable and self-explanatory.
Samuel
October 9, 1960
Cairo, UAR
My dear Rudy:
I am glad to have your letter of the 4th and even though I may be repeating, want to be sure you get the news. I am making a carbon for a friend to save time. At this writing and as my birthday approaches I guess I have the best outlook of my whole existence, never were things seemingly brighter and what is more, every one of the many fields into which I have adventured during life have been of benefit to me and to my contacts.
There may have been something astrological but one day I got all my missing mail from all four quarters of the globe, so to speak, and on a day when everything else started to break properly. My friends on Clementina St. have not only put everything I wanted in my hands but have told me what they are holding, some of which suddenly becomes important in the sight of present day events.
Travel: I am now the guest of the Information Bureau which is working out my future program and I will divide my reports into subjects. They have advised they will extend my visa. I am therefore not looking to depart until December. I may write to the Isbrandtsen office in Alexandria to send me a schedule. As I told you, I now have a good reserve in the bank even after paying off something on my loan, and more than enough to meet any and all emergencies on top of my fare to Karachi.
However, as I have been meeting so many people from India, I may not take the sea trip and if I go to Ceylon it may be an important venture via air. This is heightened by the fact that there is an important letter coming to me from a Ceylonese VIP and I am toying with the idea of an air trip either from Bombay or southern India and back. This is not sure.
When I get my bearings I shall go to Damascus, and the longer I stay, the more comfortable will be the weather for a Karnak trip. It is still very hot in that region—110 degrees!
India: The coming Ambassador is an old friend of mine whom I knew well in both San Francisco and New Delhi and whose father was a Sufi. I have made friends with the cultural attaché here who is reading my poetry and also has a copy of “
Congressman From India,” the autobiography of Judge Saund of Imperial County.
Science: I am now the guest of the National Research Centre composed of the top scientists. The other day I met Dr. S. Hasan, a UC graduate who evidently has met many of my friends and who has offered to become my host. He has explained his work in detail. I go to the Centre once a week. I am in deep water here as I am compelled to use both ingenuity and all my technical knowledge but I have the thorough approval of the American Embassy and also of the Information Bureau.
Sufism: Mohammed Mumtaz Dillah, of the Vegetable Experimental Station is a Sufi. A complication has set in here because all the men there want to see me on both scientific and philosophical matters and there is hardly time. I do not have any days off. But I have been promised an opportunity as a sort of birthday present to meet the Sufi Dervishes and perhaps one or two of the spiritual leaders in this region.
Black List: This venture is exceedingly important. Every single one of the professors in the U.S. who stood against us is on the Intelligence Black or suspect list. Only one is an American, Charles Moore of Hawaii and he is just as bad for he stuffed the UNESCO meetings with his personal friends and he was given moneys to import them from anywhere and he did. As Dr. Chatterji of Calcutta told me some years age: “If you Americans wish to ignore and insult us why don’t you do it yourselves without importing idiotic Europeans to do it for you.”
The idea of honest and objective facts and the presentation of facts should come first and does not. But it is ridiculous to staff and stuff Universities with European exiles and put them in charge of Asiatics. There is a long distance between Von Braun and Teller in Physics—where they belong, and some of their fellow-exiles in Islamic, South Asian and Far East
Studies. This hurts the U.S. I have been yelling for years but I don’t yell alone any more.
Art: This venture was being held back until the arrival of one Dr. Creswell who is said to be the world’s greatest authority on Islamic Art and one of the tops on ancient Egyptian Art. I have met him and am reading one of his books and cannot dissent.
Last week the Information Bureau asked me to whom they might send materials on Islamic Art and I gave the names of the Rudolph Schaeffer School in S.F. and the Hollywood Artists. This may be as much as I can handle except in Pakistan. After seeing Creswell, they are arranging for me to have passes to all museums. This along with the possible trip with Dr. Hasan to little visited Islamic places will give me a fair picture and a wonderful opportunity.
Meanwhile the Embassy has been putting on a series of talks on Modern American Art, very well attended and received. This will be followed by readings from Modern Drama.
Philosophy: I have also presented the plan for lecturing on American Philosophy and Philosophers which was worked out with me by Prof. Blau of Columbia. He is now in Claremont, Calif. I am to modify the program slightly by adding some of our poets and also reading some of this poetry at any philosophical talks, particularly for India. You see I have my hands full.
Cultural Exchange: This is now being considered, including all the above.
Psychic Research: I hope to give you a report after meeting some of the Dervishes here. There are certain matters, particularly in the field of psychometrics, which are of “common knowledge” here and which would interest you!
I think this about does it.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
November 27, 1960
My dear Willie:
I have returned from Luxor and am not feeling too well. There is a sort of ulcer on my upper palate. This may be due to an infection because of the doubtful state of cutlery they use here. Fortunately I have some Hydrogen Peroxide with me which the dentist told me to use as mouthwash.
I am sending a copy of this to Rudolph although I must express some differences with opinions which have been given at the School. I took this trip not for my own pleasure but to satisfy friends who are interested in antiquities and mysteries. I came up with my usual experiences, greatly accelerated and I guess this pattern will continue on and on throughout my life and I do not care. For on my arrival at Luxor I was greeted by a Dervish spiritual teacher, was introduced all around as an American dervish, and had a most delightful time—with the natives.
There were also some Germans at the hotel, both East and West and I got the usual challenges from a German that I do not know what I am talking about when I discuss “Oriental philosophy” and that people are pulling my leg. This is old stuff to me, it happened in America, it happened in India, it happened in Pakistan, and it has happened here. The real Oriental philosophy (?) is that from European mouths and even the poor Asians don’t know their own philosophy. And I got it from Dr. S. C. Chatterji that he never yet met a German who really understood Asian philosophy. Besides which I have all kinds of invitations from Indian professors and Indian people where no Germans have ever visited or been permitted to speak.
I am also amused at this writing that Koestler has written a book exposing the Oriental “mystics.” He has visited a lot of humbugs whom some Germans introduce as the real thing—and they are not the real thing or they are the real thing. Anyhow no less than Karl Jung has backed Koestler and he is about as great an authority on Oriental philosophy as I am on Swahili.
Fortunately, there were a lot of Americans around, a lot more Americans than Germans and their ideas of Oriental philosophy are different—they consult Orientals. Besides which the guide soon discovered that I knew a great deal more than I have ever been credited with in the U.S. such as the relation between ancient Egyptian theology and Islamic theology; and the meaning of Thebes, etc.
In the midst of going around the ruins at Karnak I was surrounded by a group of hostile Indians—from Stanford. Even in my party, Stanfordites. I was the lone Californian and had to tell them the sad news of the previous week. We won, and how. So they declared an armistice and we all stood together.
After we returned one elderly lady said: “Don’t I know you?” well, I have learned enough not to argue with elderly ladies and I started to tell but I never finished a sentence: “Your mother’s nickname is “Fuchsia” and she is a great flower grower and you are a writer.” Her name is Mrs. Lastreto and she has long been a leader in the California Club.
I did not enjoy Karnak, Luxor and Thebes near as much as Saqqara. I believe that the great Egyptian Mysteries were very ancient and that the finest spiritual art is in the Saqqara region and hardly excavated. The Karnak-Luxor period is a “Renaissance,” highly developed, highly sophisticated and perhaps contains some of the greatest esthetic megalithic art. It beats the Indian all over in form and niceties, but, when it comes to feeling, see below. And even though I do not seem so enthusiastic I want to come again and sail on the Nile southward. And thus also I shall meet more dervishes and commune with them.
On my return, today, not feeling well and having no engagements, I went to the nearby Museum of Antiquities. Right from the start one can see the importance of “Museology,” how to arrange museums and exhibits. The Islamic Museum is perfect in this respect, though I cannot vouch for the statements made of particular pieces. This Museum is gloomy and not well lit; add to that the general funeral and funereal aspects of so much of the ancient art, it does not buoy one up.
One cannot help noting a certain missing element which Dr. Chaudhuri called “spirituality,” which seems to be present more or less in Indian art, even though esthetically the Egyptian art is superior. In general they had a vivid and fine sense of color, even from the most ancient times. The early works are “primitive” in a certain sense, with much more spirituality and spirit. I guess priestcraft did its worst.
Surprisingly, I was not beset by either “guides” or postcard sellers. This was due in part to the large number of school children visiting, requiring guides.
The basketry, basket-pottery and ceramics interested me most. I did not purchase anything. I called on Dr. Hughes, Director of the American Oriental Institute at Karnak; its center is in Chicago. I shall probably join, which will give me access to the Karnak Library whenever I should come this way again. I shall also take this up with Rudolph when I return in case he needs something for his library. I am not, in this case, interested in adding to any collection, for my interest is in living art.
I find so many things of contemporary folk-art which seem to be both beautiful and useful as well as ornamental. But one is also besieged by innumerable little requests from friends. Thus some people here have some simple errands and I have been much beset by an errand I did for a friend in India. It has brought no end of trouble and worry and the end is not in sight, either. It seems I am destined to do for me and while this appears selfish everything that has come out of my inner being has been accepted here.
This has been so much so that I even resurrected my defunct “plan” for Palestine. he said that it was the first sensible plan he had ever heard of, But I guess I’ll have to be much more famous or powerful. Anyhow, I have two personal friends leading UN delegations and in a few days will start my work here among the Embassies. I think I may be able to do it. I am never again going to let anybody talk me down beforehand. I have had so few negatives given me by all peoples from Japan to here inclusive that I do not see why I should stop by negatives from other peoples. Few Europeans understand the Asians although many are selected by Americans to “explain” the Oriental to them, the Americans, and we might as well have Russians do it.
Last night the director of the TV station called here. I met him in Cleveland and he also offered hospitality but I was not well—then. At this moment I feel somewhat better than when I started the letter—power of mind over matter, maybe. I may go to church on Christmas and I also want to visit some synagogues—but this idea was given to me by the former Minister of Education. He has my poetry and I should be calling on him as soon as I am feeling better. I can almost predict that both the Indians and Arabs will enjoy my Poetry; I have heard that in part already, but how to convince Western people that Eastern people like what I am doing may not be so easy. I have gone so far as to write a letter to the Near East Dept. of the University of California insisting on an interview when I return. They, under the influence of a European “authority” on Islamics, have ignored me. Now, with the full force of the large number of graduates here, I shall simply go to the Alumni and deans and demand an interview. I do not demand acceptance, but I shall demand interviews. So far as South Asia and East Asia are concerned, there is nothing but the most harmonious and amicable relations. These professors are all under Harvard, none under European influence. Whenever Harvard extends its tentacles I am safe; I know it beforehand.
I am next seeking to “annex” the University of Minnesota. I have talked to their Agricultural Expert here and have written their philosophy department, but have a few other “ins,” Half of me wishes to return to Cal. for botanical and language studies, with perhaps a little geography and Near East work too. But that is just half of me. The rest must wait until I have gone a lot further.
I do not think we are going have better international relations until we become objectively honest. There are enough objectively honest people. We trust those whom we admire and that is it. If we admire them, we prefer to believe they are right. This is a common habit everywhere and prevents heart from communing with heart because there is always an intermediary who is like a tumor standing in the way, and we don’t know it. Yet it is easy for heart to communion with heart, especially directly.
This would mean good-will and this would mean Christmas all over the world. Thus a Merry Christmas to you.
There is no carbon of this sheet for Rudolph. People all over the world seem very satisfied with the election of Kennedy. In the States they were afraid of the Pope. Elsewhere they were afraid of Billy Graham. I don’t think this is realized. A lot of people in the U.S. want the right of religious dualism and there is nothing wrong in religious dualism. But what is wrong is that they want religious dualism for Kashmir and the U.S. and they don’t want it in Korea or Taiwan or Southeast Asia or generally in Asia and Africa, excepting in Kashmir; and in Kashmir you don’t always find religious dualism.
The hush-hushing of Nixon’s career in other lands, of course, helped him garner votes. But it did not make him popular. All Asia was anti-Nixon; and South America, being Catholic, resented the religious issue and became pro-Nixon, though the press hush- hushed it.
I do not know, of course, if Kennedy will work wonders, but he certainly started out in a most astute manner to select brainy people from his own State, which in my mind, is full of brains. Chester Bowles is the nominee of the Afro-Asian bloc for Secretary of State, and I guess Stephenson for UN Representative. Our old-line diplomats are old line and Acheson would be almost as bad as Dulles. Dulles was very unpopular because he had no positive philosophy at all.
The United States may return to leadership as soon as it stops trying to lead. If we went around and started asking people “What you believe” instead of “What do you feel about Russia” we would have the world on our side. But we don’t ask and we put our own Cold War first and there are lots of small cold wars because the cold war is the fashion.
The Afro-Asia Bloc meets here next month and I am starting out next week to see what I can do.
Samuel
[undated post card from UAR, December 1960]
Dear Willie:
Wish you a merry Christmas. Islamic Museum this a.m. and tomorrow Karnak. Things even much better since last report. Ministry of Agriculture thanking me. When return will find out about poetry. Bazaars here most interesting. Sending a present—wait and find out.
Love,
Samuel
December 12, 1960
My dear Rudolph:
I am writing this letter preparatory to receiving an invoice for five pieces, which I am sending to the School for study. They are modern pieces, exemplary of contemporary folk art. It is not easy to get historical pieces, as the attitude toward early works is somewhat like the Japanese toward “national monuments.” There is no finality in this but I am planning to return to this land later on.
One of the chief reasons is that “local boy makes good-elsewhere.” I am going into no details. I was accepted on each Asian land I visited before. I am accepted on a larger and more serious scale now. I will spare you details, but there is one American habit that has to be changed if we are to have world peace and understanding and that is our habit of putting on “sun glasses” in looking at Orientals. When we look at them directly there is every chance for good will; when we look at them through intermediaries, there is no chance. But we do look at them through intermediaries, we laud the intermediaries and often as not those authorities on “Oriental culture” in the United States are the most loathed in actual Asia. I mention no names.
Nevertheless it is this habit which disgusts Asians and more here than elsewhere. They want us to eat with them, talk with them, even pray with them—or for that matter hate them directly and not through third party’s eyes and minds,
As for my projects, I have had quite a few and everyone has been accepted and every one of these acceptances at the highest levels. This has been both delightful and sorrowful for I shall not remain in the United States and have doors shut in my face when here all doors are open and even the whole staff of the U.S. Embassy for me, including field experts.
And the doors are also open for me wide in other Asian lands. My old friend, M. A. Husain who used to be in San Francisco is here as Ambassador from India and through his staff I have had other introductions to other Asians, and everything looks potentially rosy for my future. On top of that the local newspapers are just awakening to my experiences and I have a nice letter from Chet Huntley whom I have known at least casually for many many years. All of this delays my return or even desire to stay around San Francisco.
Wishing you and the staff best of Happy New Years,
Sincerely,
Samuel
December 12, 1960
My dear Willie:
I am enclosing copy of a letter to Rudolph. This letter means much more than it says. I sent Rudolph all kinds of little things and lots more information from my last trip to Asia and he never once asked me to speak. It is true I could say certain things in class but he has had speakers of much less standing in actual Asia speak, and misinform our public about Oriental art.
Lewis McRitchie is an American and has an objective point of view. But the non- Americans who speak are given a prestige which they do not deserve. It is not, of course, only true with Rudolph, it is true all over the nation excepting at Harvard and Princeton.
I have dared to do what no diplomat has ever done—mingle with the people. I have spoken to thousands; I have mingled with thousands more. I have had some top-level talks and it is easy for me to have top-level talks; I have had sidewalk talks and it is easy for me to have sidewalk talks. One or two Americans doing this would counterbalance all the Pro- Russian ballyhoo but we must counterbalance ballyhoo with ballyhoo. We don’t like ballyhoo ourselves but sometimes, like all propagandists of all nations whomsoever and whatsoever ballyhoo must be used and it is “unthinkable” to use anything else but ballyhoo.
I have been in many Mosques, even spoken in some and have always been in introduced as “The American.” Now with letters from Chet Huntley and the San Rafael Journal-Independent, I am going off on another tack.
My poetry has been placed by critics in the highest bracket! But I haven’t the slightest idea as to what to do next. Everything else has gone along with practically no hitches, and fortunately, too, I have enough people in San Francisco now who believe me and will receive me with satisfaction when I return.
I have also written to Rose McCook in the City Hall and if she sees Mrs. Grady that lady is going to get a very pleasant ear-full and then some. But she had faith in me and I am living up to that faith, in full.
Faithfully,
Samuel
Dear Willie: Copy of letter to lifelong friends. Melville was originally one of my father’s protégés. He and the Irwin mentioned became bitter about Elliott. They could never understand the strange favoritism. Samuel
Cairo, UAR
December 17, 1960
My dear Melville and Phyllis:
I am writing you under strange but exceedingly favorable circumstances with some news and some things which are like favors or suggestions but which you may (or may not) consider otherwise. Far from dreams or hopes being shattered by my visit to this part of the world, I am faced with strange dilemmas as my prestige is rising rapidly, all my projects have been received with exceeding goodwill, the goodwill is increasing and affairs are almost out of hand. I am receiving no help, so far, from any group, foundation or anybody but a few friends. And I am certainly not asking for help because what I do need is sufficient money for colleagues and not just more money for Sam Lewis.
The other day I wrote to Rose McCook in the City Hall. Although I am not representing San Francisco until I reach Japan, there are some prospects of my going on another venture soon which is involved in the linkage of cities. And the main reason for going on this venture is simply that so far I have not been turned down on anything. Indeed the only matter which
I wanted to drop was the project of saltwater conversion plants. This I did because my program is overloaded for one person and I could then concentrate on it for Pakistan.
I cannot here tell you all my intellectual backgrounds or studies. But I do hope you see Irwin Meyer some time because he is at least a witness from boyhood of my intellectual prowess then. There is also Miss Edith Pence who is active in the World Affairs Council. It is probable that this organization will offer me the floor when I return but it is almost certain that the American Friends of the Middle East shall. On such occasions I am hoping you are free and can come, although it may be some time before I return to the United States.
To be taken seriously is of itself an adventure. While I had a godfather, I am inclined to accept Samuel Morse as a sort of proxy godfather, for that fellow kept on trying and trying and when he reached his goal he was impelled or compelled to knock down a few heads. I shall also be impelled or compelled to knock down a few heads, not for the sake of “revenge” or “justice” but I have particularly in mind a number of Europeans who, for God or the devil knows what reason, have been put in charge of courses on Asian subjects throughout the United States, to misinform our public and promote nothing but ill-will for America while they garner the shekels and are greeted as “experts.” This is true in California more than anywhere else and it has given a bad name to some of our best Institutions—which I won’t name here, but some people are going to be displeased. Yet they will have to choose between America first and listening to Germans, Englishmen, Swiss and Hungarians tell them all about the Orient. When you combine this with Zionism you can see that it is not necessary for any Russians to stir up anti-American propaganda.
I don’t mean here to be a stickler for “honesty” or “justice” which are mere words. I would like objectivity and I know I shall be challenged by Zionists although I do not know anything about Israel and while I work alone without support, must confine myself to those countries I wish to visit and not to lands other peoples want me to see. I am not even planning to go to Jerusalem on either side, but this I do not know for sure.
This last week the San Rafael paper asked me for my story and in the next mail Chet Huntley also. I knew Chet when he was nobody, and again when he was broadcasting from Hollywood. I do have news, and some basic facts. I begin, of course, with my horticulture ventures which were planned with Harry Nelson of City College. This expanded as I crossed the United States, receiving the full cooperation of Ohio State U. and the New York Horticultural Society. All my plans, proposals and what not have been accepted. But outside anything Harry or I desired, the fact that the place is teeming with U. C. graduates, and most of all right in my own field, has facilitated anything planned. I shall have some pretty big projects and even now am working preparatory on an international scale.
Instead of loading people with cheap “love” and “true” magazines, and faith, for that matter, I want to see farmers get agricultural magazines. This idea was turned down by everybody and then some but accepted by the very top man in the magazine field. Mr. Charles Kenyon of New York and all he needs is a letter from me which will start the most valid and sure backfire against the staff that we are all but paying the Russians to put out. For they do not send farmers “love” and “true” magazines they send technical and scientific books, not particularly good, but of particular interest to those concerned.
This is a very big field in itself and at long last I have cooperation and good will. This is so true of the Embassy here that when I enter the compound now not only I am news, but generally I bring news. All I can say at this point is that I am known by thousands as “The American” and I want to be known as “The American” and whatever my name or several names is or are, I represent the U.S. and I am doing what only Russians have done, or their agents, mix with the people. We just can’t do that; it’d be unfair in the “cold war.” But I am doing it and now my social calendar is as full as my scientific one.
Next morning. I have had three adventures since starting this letter. The first was a field trip with the Americans, largely the staff and sons and daughters of the Embassy Staff, looking at the Citadel and country just west of the city. I treated one of the staff to a very fine dinner (Diners’ Club Card). Then went to a meeting of our 400 dervishes. These people would be our best friends but there is hardly a piece of honest literature about them. We call them all kinds of names and I don’t think there is hardly a Westerner who has ever really studied them—yes a few persons, but they remain unknown. I go among them as “The American,” have spoken before thousands of them and am known as “The American,” and never by name. Besides whatever one’s name is lots of other people may have such a name. I am called Mr. Sam, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Murad here, and sometimes by the first names only without the Mr. or occasionally “Effendi.”
When I returned home I found a letter from the Department of the Interior. Then they sent some material to me instead of to Dr. Hasan Bagdadi. He is the Minister of Agricultural Reform and Rural Resettlement. He is also a University of California man and close friend of Paul Keim, the real “Ugly American.” Paul comes right off the campus where Prof. Burdick resides and does everything the opposite of what Burdick has suggested and has succeeded. But no publicity, no newsmen, not a single piece of literature—only quiet success almost as if they were working underground.
Most of the things we looked at yesterday were built by the great Saladin who beat the Crusaders. I have brought an epic poem here dedicated to him. I got nowhere with it in S. F. But just before I left part of it was read by Col. Everson, of the American Friends of the Middle East and he places it among the top poems. The same part has been read by two men here, and the whole poem by two VIP’s and they place it among the world’s very tops. I don’t know how I can get it published, but I am meanwhile waiting for a report on some other poetry and that may determine my policy. I am also urged to write some books. I have had some financial help in Cleveland, Ohio, and that is the best place to get access to research material, although there is a bare possibility of doing this on the California campus. One of the chief librarians is a friend of mine. The reactions on this poetry are utterly out of line with my previous life, excepting the last course I took at U.C. where I stood out, but there were only about a dozen people around.
But this morning I am going to “make history” again, for when I take the material from the Department of Interior, addressed to Dr. Hasan Bagdadi, to the National Research Center, they will be delighted. There one meets the top scientists not only of this area, but of much of the western world. Well, folks, I have already had the top exerts of the Agriculture Department approve of what I am doing, so I guess it won’t hurt for a few others.
There is one bunch in S.F. that has always turned me down, and that is “Asia Foundation.” Walter Haas & Co. simply won’t believe that I am doing anything and they have seen to it that I get no interviews. There are going to be some very red faces when I return. I always get interviews in the Orient, from here to Japan inclusive. I had not only asked for no money, but for no introductions and believe me I have so many I don’t know what to do. I can only hope I can get some help from Fulbright or Rockefeller, not for me, but that they pay some scholars to work for me.
Why, I have in my invisible portfolio all kinds of things, such as the search for the “Lost Tribes of Israel” who weren’t lost but were absorbed by the Pathans. I have seen ruins of old synagogues and Aramaic writing and what not, and very wrong reports. Indeed most of the old reports on Asian architecture is wrong. Dr. Creswell, the top authority here had to write to prove that all his predecessors were wrong. They were. He went and looked at monuments. They, like Karl Marx, wrote tomes in the London Museum. Our guide yesterday, took as much time to attacking “authorities” as to explaining what we saw. I think he was 100% right but maybe I am prejudiced. But at least he studied Egyptian art and, architecture by actual examination of things. This is only a recent trend. Only the books on Indian Art written since 1950 are good but they more than make up for the errors of the past. But the Indus Valley has remains of Greek, Persian and Hebrew cultures that have not been touched. You see, I either upset apple carts or go around applauding those who do. But the fact is that our greatest mistake is in being nonobjective. As I have said: “The authorities on Asia are European professors and American newsmen; to trust American professors and European newsmen is ‘unthinkable’ but it might be worth a try.”
So I look to this day first to meet some Physicists, then Biologists, and perhaps the chief engineer of Saudi Arabia. He wants me to visit his country, but I have so much in tow I don’t know. Still, if the ship lands at Jidda it won’t cost anything.
I live in a pension with the cost of $70 a month for room, board, laundry, dry cleaning, telephone and tips! Next time I shall go to the one across the street which costs a little more but is run by the same family. There are no luxuries but no discomforts and everything is clean. It is just behind the famous Semiramis Hotel which I enjoy and am known by many members of the staff. It is not far from the Nile-Hilton which is an excrescence, full of the most up to date to nonsense. It is decadent, rather than luxurious. I have seen all the hotels in San Francisco, most of the great ones in Washington and New York, and there is not a one which I would not place far above the Nile-Hilton at any price. Besides this, it gives the natives more erroneous ideas of the United States, as they get from the “love” and “true” magazines and movies. These, and not Russian propaganda, are the things that stir people up against us.
I intended to write more but have several letters to answer, which came in on Sunday evening. That is not a holiday here and the delivery was late and unusual.
I leave presumably on February 20th for Pakistan. Some of that will be
“old hat.” But it is strange to have every one’s dreams and projects in
about everything accepted, after almost all of them were turned down before.
This habit of turning down is the reason for our failures in some international
fields. I know of Americans who have been in out of the way places and they
can’t get newspaper interviews at all, and it is only recently that, the
State Department took them seriously. I have had to tell newsmen—and it
usually does no good—that if about six more countries follow Cuba, maybe they
will listen to people with information. This is a terrible state of affairs but
unfortunately it is true. We spend millions to guard against an “invasion”
by Banditistan, and a dozen people will find an anti-American plot going in
Pirateland and nobody believes them and then
Pirateland burns the USIS library, etc. I am afraid this will still happen, but
at least our Foreign Service is more cautious. They are now listening to
everybody which is the best precaution. But there I am news; at home, some
time, maybe.
Well, I hope 1961 will be bright for you.
Sam
Samuel L. Lewis
December 25, 1960
My dear Bette and Hazel:
It is Christmas morning and in a certain sense there is something very significant about it. The chessboard has eight squares, light and dark, and there is something mystical about the pawn becoming the Queen—even in the “Alice in the Looking-Glass” fashion. The Pyramid of Sakkar has an incline, then a plateau and on until one reaches the top. My own life seems now to resemble the “monistic” pyramid rather than the “dualistic” chessboard. There are, however, elements of real mysticism in it which I am not going to relate here or try to impress upon others.
I did go to a Protestant service last night by the American Mission. It is a large, cathedral- like church. There was singing rather than services. When I arrived there were about 20 people there, all of whom looked like Americans. When I left there must have been 400-500 people, and still just about 20 Americans! Of course I do not know how many of the Egyptians are converts and how many just visited. Nevertheless, I am today far from traditional Christianity. It is like saying—you can’t look at the sun excepting through a cloud, or a microscope or a looking-glass. You can’t do anything directly, it has to be done by a certain road and any other road is “unthinkable.” This I do not accept, excepting when I am with Muslims and sometimes prod them.
This morning I am going to the Vegetable Center to do some typing on the edible vegetables of Indonesia. I am amazed to find out that many ordinary parts of ordinary plants are edible. I once wrote to my friend, Harry Nelson, to put up a sign on the Zoo lab, “off limits” for after visiting Japan almost every animal seemed edible. Now the same looks true for plants excepting those we know to be poisonous. But a lot of plants are also medicinal and aromatic and I have not even looked into this yet.
My story is very difficult to tell. Anyhow, I have gained in self-confidence. I pulled out my own international ideas. I nearly reached the top three times in life, always betrayed by my own confidante or “conféante” and so shut up. But to my delight the principles which I have presented now are praised by every UN person I meet and although still timid by some of the more open people both among Americans and Egyptians also. With this confidence I turned toward my ideas in Oriental philosophies and their relation to science. I did this in particular with Sufism. Again, everything was gobbled up.
I am now meeting top scientists, visiting labs and what-not, and so pulled out, one-by-one from my bag, what I call “Natural Philosophy” which is composed of principles gained by an integrating, overall look at Nature. For instance, Edison invented the carbon- arc lamp because carbon, in contradistinction to the metals, becomes a conductor when heated while they become better conductors when super-cooled.
I won’t go into the scientific phases here. You know my long battle against the European and Charles Moore meddlers with Oriental philosophy. This is not over. People who have European training still praise their teachers. One Arab has come back from a long sojourn in France and written that every book and every teacher on Islamic philosophy is wrong. We simply won’t accept it and it is probably true. Dr. Cresswell, who is the authority on Islamic Art has already written the same thing. He found that Mosques did not look like the pseudo- description and even less like the deductions which filled the books of his predecessors. He attacked them all and some quite vociferously. Nobody criticizes him today; he was right, absolutement.
I remember one leading Oriental saying about Orientalists: “Books! books! all they know is books!” This is more than true. And I find the Arab, charming or not, but not particularly resembling lectures I have heard. And I am gaining friends and acquaintances at such a rapid rate I cannot assimilate. Iron is not good Copper, nor Cobalt good Iron. So the Arab is not a poor European or Jew or Chinaman—he is the Arab. The nearest I came to was a Saudian Arabian, who is probably purer Arab than the people here or the Syrians—though I cannot prove it. But he knocked out two legends in a few minutes.
Well, I had my personality troubles with the people who turned on me in the international field. Then with the “Orientalists” from Bingham to Watts to Landau to Moore, and a lot of etceteras. Then with the Semanticists. Every single paper which I turned [in] to Hayakawa and which he spurned, every idea has been accepted by the actual scientists here, and not only the Arabs, but the French and Americans. In fact, I have gone so far as to say that these organizations which claim income tax deductions and are nothing but pseudo-frauds, need investigation. A metaphysical magazine, per se, is not regarded as cultural. Actually, the Semanticists are nothing but distinguished humanists today, who give humanism a pseudo- intellectual coating and think they are getting by.
The general principles of semantics are excellent, with our false identity in personalities, our variation in the use of words, etc. But the ridiculous thing comes when a man like Whorf comes out with exactly the opposite conclusions as Korzybski and K.’s followers hail Whorf as one of the great minds of the day. I am neither defending nor accusing Korzybski and Whorf but it is so obvious to the scholars here that they throw up their hands in ridicule and disgust. This I have met before.
Anyhow, I am now welcome all over. So I am doing, when I can, more creative writing and already it is in demand before I start out. This is more than I can bear and I tell it only because it looks like a dramatic story. I sometimes refer to “Edmond Dantes with a sense of humor!” Revenge has no humor in it, but neither am I going to permit pseudos get away.
I have now written to many and will continue to bang on my theme about 50,000,000 people forced into neutralism by our nonsense about them. There are not many people who favor Russia anywhere, but there are many who are disgusted with the U.S. The change to Stevenson will probably be of great help for he has some principles—I am not going to defend him—but he has some principles. Our diplomats are so drowned with the “tyranny of words” that we cannot control the votes anymore. This does not mean that other camps are right, but that we are wrong. All diplomats are double-talkers excepting, perhaps U Nu and a few Scandinavians.
The other night I heard a fine talk on Mark Twain. Well, my real name is Sam. My self- devised nickname is P. Puck. Puck is from Shakespeare, of course, but the P. stands for “Puddinghead” from Mark Twain’s “Puddinghead Wilson” and I am always standing alone, but with the right answer—only now I am not alone anymore and all the seeming fantastic views and experiences are not out of the bag. The thing is to hold one’s head, but I am no longer a young man and I think I can do.
The World Congress of Faiths has now appointed me their representative and so I can help organize a branch where the real teachings of real religions can be given, and we might even learn what the Japanese actually believe and also the people of Southeast Asia, and also what Islamic philosophy is, and a much better picture of all the peoples of Asia, and even what
Jews actually believe. Too much nonsense, all around. So you see that one by one obstacles have been over me and I stop here to go on my “edible plants” project. I am not hungry; Took two young men out to a big Christmas party last night, biggest meal for a long time.
I have not tried to see President Nasser but my letter will be written shortly. I am sorry so much attention is paid here to international affairs. In the case of uncertain countries, there is always attention on external matters. When nations suffer from drought, famine, corruption, etc. they try to keep citizens’ minds concentrating on foreign enemies or situations. I can name a lot of countries which can do that.
But UAR is something like the U.S. When Russia gets ahead of us in a single science, it is news. We are ahead in all kinds of sciences. The same is undoubtedly true that UAR is today ahead of lots of nations in the actual sciences and in organizational and laboratory work. But it is not news. The papers praise G. A. Nasser but they say nothing of the finest things going on. Then, when Israel makes one step forward, they yell and yelp. They do not advertise their own country.
The results are astonishing. You only have to talk to tourists who have returned any time in the last 5 to 10 years. If the UAR government would interview them, they would find that a lot of Americans can give much better talks on the UAR than their best apologists. The rate of progress is astounding. People are not dying of starvation. The growth, even if the reports are exaggerated, shows a much higher rate than Russia, China, India, and certainly Brazil and Argentina.
Nasser would stand out as the man of the day if he did not act like
Mussolini. He is not a
Mussolini, he does not need crowds to applaud him. His accomplishments are so
marvelous and yet he is not aware of them himself. For the release of energy of
2500 years is stupendous and there is also with it some spiritual
release—this, as I mentioned above, I do not wish to impress or impose, but
it is certainly here. I meet more and more people who have the combined
spiritual and libertarian releases in them and they are accomplishing things.
Some of these appear in papers I send to the San Rafael Journal-Independent. I
am keeping detailed notes.
I do not know what my itinerary will be. The success here has again overwhelmed my expectations. That happened before. But now I have the whole force of the Foreign Service with me. I can only see my trip as far as Penang. There I shall stop for a very careful evaluation, and sometimes think I may have to “hurry” thence, though this may result in an independent visit to Japan. Of course the ships stop at Formosa, though I should prefer Hong Kong to either that or Manila. But this is too far ahead. Yet I should thank you both for suggestions and introductions. It will benefit the Chinese of San Francisco if I do go to Formosa.
At the moment, between too much food last night and too much overwhelming of events, I stop here and hope you join me in a Happy and Prosperous 1961,
Samuel
Samuel L. Lewis
P.S. After post I go to visit some important philosophers who have heard about me. I don’t know what it is all about but I keep busy every day, all day, almost all the time.
Cairo,
January 13, 1961
My dear Willie:
I was glad to get your airmail letter telling me all about your family. It seems strange, years roll on and I have, in a sense, no family of my own. In another sense, I am fulfilling a destiny, long ago laid out for me, to become a real Big Brother to humanity. I had to write one friend in San Francisco that the seemingly exaggerated reports were my diary, and they remain in my diary and are not any effort to justify or excuse. But before I come to the end of this letter I shall report on another matter about which you may give advice, or act.
I am very tired tonight after a long day, first at the Agricultural Section of Ein Shams University and then on the home and farm of Professor Sa’ad A. Kamel. I was introduced to him by Dr. Hasan Salah, A UC graduate who has been very cooperative, only to find he was the college chum of one of my hosts here with whom I am doing active research cooperation. I shall be writing reports in detail to my friend, Harry Nelson, at City College.
Now I am in deep. It is not like being over one’s head, but like in a motor boat which goes on though one no longer controls it, but which seems to have self-steering equipment. Indeed, that I have relaxed control over my own affairs they are operating just as successfully or more on a higher level. Briefly, in the last two days I have: (a) laid the groundwork for a most important report in botanical genetics which may help clear up the old Lysenko-Mendel debate; (b) had a long conference with the representative of the American Soybean Foundation and the request that I write at least one paper; (c) prepared the groundwork for agricultural cooperation between India and Pakistan, separately, with the UAR; (d) arranged another link with the UAR to join with the Friends of the World which has brought Japan and the U.S. close together (e.g. the cable car San Francisco gave to Osaka.) Before this I had just finished typing two papers for the Islamic Congress and I gave them Part IV of my epic which has been highly praised and appraised. I do not have any days off at all and the long day found me tired and with the need of doing a lot of typing. For all business has to be done in the mornings, usually, but yesterday afternoon was spent visiting a holy mosque, because a celebration was going on for a female saint; and there are female saints in Islam, despite a lot of non-denials by a bunch of Europeans who place their concepts over facts.
The other day the housekeeper said to me: “Sam, why aren’t you like other Americans?” I said, “How am I different?” “They come to study Arabic, you come to study the Arabs.” In this is the highest compliment. I cannot go out from this pension on any pretext without being stopped by all kinds of people.
The other day I went into the bank. It makes me want to write “Not So Innocents Abroad.” I am now so well known and so well thought of that they brought me the money at once. After that, the conversation was broken twice for me to sign papers they forgot. Usually they red- tape you and you wait and wait. It is true when I went to Bank of America in San Francisco and asked for a thousand dollars, “How do you want it?” that quick. But to have this happen here is quite a thing. I had to stay a whole hour in social chit-chat, mostly on religion. I was challenged by a Christian and gave him these answers:
a. A Muslim has to believe in the Qur’an and that is superior to any creed; a Christian has to believe in his creed and that is above Scripture. b. A Christian can reject even the words of Jesus Christ, as the “Sermon on the Mount;” a Muslim may not reject the sayings of Mohammed; c. A Muslim accepts Jesus, a Christian rejects Mohammed... Nowhere did I put the Qur’n above the Bible or Mohammed above Jesus. The Christian shook my hand. I did not object when he said Jesus is God, I stuck to the three points above.
I have had innumerable debates, but it is becoming a dangerous thing to challenge me. One guide did it a few minutes ago, because I paid a poor guide way over the feel. “Zakat”—alms. I asked him “Isn’t Zakat one of the pillars of your religion? Are you rejecting it?” All his colleagues gave him the horse-laugh. And all these things raise my ratings—among the citizenry.
On the other hand I have asked: “What is the difference between a Muslim reception and an American reception to a high dignitary?... The Muslims give better liquor.” It is true, and the cocktail parties accomplish nothing but confirm each one’s low opinion of the others.
I celebrated both Christmas and New Year’s at Grillon, a restaurant here where I used the Diner’s Club Credit Card. They had very special, very expensive meals, which were worth it. I took a strolling American and we each paid New Year’s—costing us about $8 each. Then I took him to a regular dinner two days later at the same place, about $4 for both—one quarter the price, to show him how reasonable it really was. These prices include tips and taxes and there are no extras, and the first included liquor, but there was music and entertainment. So celebrations are very reasonable here, even at the best.
I do not go into Nile-Hilton which is fancy in price and that is all. I have not yet eaten duck here but will, I hope. Last night and today I had Egyptian meals.
Well, now you know how it feels to be a great-grandmother.
I expect soon to have a letter from my uncle and aunt who have been visiting the San Francisco Bay region. Now I have two pieces of business:
1. Will you please telephone Faverman Drug Company and ask if they have heard from me or received a package. This included a Christmas present for you. But they had to follow some instructions first and that may account for the delay. Also, the package may have been delayed by the Christmas rush.
2. You will note what I have written above about what I am doing. I have before me a list of a large number of organizations who are collecting funds to establish better relations between the U.S. and foreign lands. They include high-powered names. I shall not name the organizations here, except that they have in common fund-raising campaigns. I can assure you, Willie, not a single one is operative here, and for that matter, I have not run into them in other lands, either. I am not blaming the group because the head of one section has promised me full cooperation, but the head of another section did not answer and I was told he was running a racket, which I can well believe.
I do know another organization, not in this list, made a stirring and successful appeal in San Francisco for funds to purchase fertilizer and sprays for the UAR and Ethiopia, specially named. I offered them my services on condition they give me a home, nothing more. My services were refused. They are not functioning here. I am in personal touch with everybody from the tops of the Ministry of Agriculture to almost every near-VIP in this field and none of them ever heard of this group. Indeed, outside the American Friends of the Middle East and a small amount of work by CARE—greatly exaggerated in the American press—there are no nonsectarian groups here at all and even of these few have heard of them. The whole thing is out of kilter.
The relations between the U.S. and the Afro-Asian nations is delicate. So far I have found nobody in favor of communism. Their religion makes them adamant. But the foolishness of a quick decision on Israel and strange antics in other directions leave us largely friendless. In addition to my friend, Harry Nelson, I am about to write to the San Rafael Journal- Independent. Here I am news and I think I am going up further—at the moment there are no closed doors.
I told my host I love my people and favored our economic and political system, but that our psychological and moral programs made me ashamed of my country. Egypt got rid of Farouk. We hold to Louis Mayer and all he stands for—rotten films, sex, gambling, drinking and murder. Our films are corroborated by the cheap literature on the market and Americans who run to nightclubs instead of taking tours. Actually, many more take tours, but they are not counted because they leave quickly. Those who attend nightclub shows are counted because they must remain overnight. This has been a long battle but I shall not give up.
Now when you see these campaigns to raise funds which never get here; funds to help Isreal which get there; lurid literature around, even without the stands we take on Negroes and what not, we have psychologically put ourselves on thin ice. On top of that, I may write a strong letter soon to what happened first at the American Academy of Asian studies and then spread over the state:
An American woman, a Ph.D. went to India as one of the first four American graduates on the exchange basis of the O.I.C. She received another degree in India on Sanskrit and Indian Studies. She was recognized all over India. Her name was used to raise funds and then she was kicked out. The funds were tax-exempt, the school was tax-exempt. She has long gone without a job in any California University. In her place are numerous Europeans, graduates from European universities who give out degrees in Asiatics. These degrees are recognized neither by the State Department nor in Asia. I think all the Consuls-General who have been in San Francisco from India will back me up. We remove the American recognized in the Orient for the non-American, not recognized in the Orient for the source of “information” about Asia. Unfortunately, this is symptomatic in much of the U.S. Judith Tyberg goes starving and Professor “Von Plotz,” as I call him, sits pretty, is believed and the Asians despise us—from Japan to here, inclusive.
As to Japan, we have the European, Alan Watts, execrated in Asia, on the radio, misinforming us about the religions of East Asia; and our McArthur legend—positively putrid and humbug—the name of McArthur is hated in Japan. And we blame the Russians for anti- American outbreaks. Americans who are unknown or disliked in the Orient are heroes in our papers and Americans who are liked in the Orient are hardly mentioned. I can give innumerable examples, but will not here.
Anyhow, Senator Fulbright, if not father, knows best. I am hoping Bowles and Rusk will do better. I think Rusk understands the Near East and Bowles is loved in India. As for Stevenson—he is the—our Dale Carnegie philosophy stops at the 12-mile limit. Stevenson could not be dog-catcher in America, but outside the 12-mile limit he may be the most popular man in the whole world (he is not my favorite, Bowles is, but he is the world’s favorite.) Outside this I can assure you, Willie, Harvard and M.I.T. have the most promising minds in the U.S. or maybe on earth.
Faithfully,
Samuel
January 29, 1961
My dear Willie:
I want to thank you for your long letter of the 23rd which arrived by airmail. I am answering by sea-mail because again the cost of a lot of stamps is going to be high; and secondly, because I shall be moving in and out of Cairo until the 15th when I leave for Port Said, to arrive in Karachi on March 3, with a presumably temporary address of c/o U.S. Consulate, Karachi; and after March 15, presumably my mailing address will be K-482 Old Kunj St., Abbottabad, Hazara, West Pakistan, c/o Abdul Rahman.
There are two immediate reactions to your letter, I find at their worst many Americans—and they are probably not the only ones—take refuge in maxims and think they are leaning on wisdom. There is a maxim for every situation. And on the other hand when one is concentrating he is apt to keep this a secret so he writes about everything but that which is the central core of his endeavors.
In 1955 a number of us met on McAllister St. to discuss non-political ways of promoting world peace. I had long been devoted to brining about better relations between the U.S. and the Orient and I chose horticulture as my field. I have been working and working successfully in this line until the harvest became too great for me. The projects I have proposed have all been accepted and I have received the goodwill if not the thanks of many parties on both the American and Arabian side of this; with now a larger project in view. All the details of this have been sent to my friend, Harry Nelson, of City College, San Francisco.
But in the course of crossing the country I also had the problem, which is connected with the World Congress of Faiths. My interest in religions has been more than a passing fancy but I find that the majority of people who venture out of their faith fall into one of two camps, both equally undesirable: (a) the fake swamis, crackpots and charlatans who pretend and the greater their pretensions the greater their following, or financial returns and they are usually interested in one or the other or both; (b) the tendency to accept persons from faraway places as knowing much more about certain subjects from totally other faraway places about which they know little. The Americans, and particularly the Californians fall for that stuff. In any case, we learn about the “Oriental” from everybody but the Orientals.
As I got further away from California I was received more seriously and as time went on I have been asked to take over the American representation of the world Congress of Faiths. I have had nice letters from Bishop Pike in San Francisco and the chief Imam, Hoballah, in Washington. I can easily get the support of any Indian or Buddhist, but the chief one is Vice-President Radhakrishnan who is very active in the same campaign.
One day I was at the Vegetable Experimental Station when the director, Fuad Rizk, introduced me to his associate, Murtaz Billah and this opened a whole bunch of doors for me with the Dervishes. I cannot write now on this subject but am making at least semiofficial reports on the largest body of human beings which we have entirely bypassed in the U.S. And with all our pretensions, morals, maxims, etc. there is a strange attitude of refusing to accept the world as it is and then being shocked thereafter because something “unforeseen” has happened.
I have written to several papers on the “Real Problem of Laos” which consists in not listening to our fellow-Americans when they bring unusual news from abroad. Well, I got in with unusual people and as I ventured further I came upon all these things:
a. There is a tremendous un-investigated music of the Dervishes, some elements of which are undoubtedly derived from Christian Gnosticism and others even from the ancient Greek; and it is possible that the Christian Gnostic also derives from the Greek; or
b. The Coptics have music and art forms which we have bypassed
c. There are all kinds of elements in Islam in its largest sense which you can no more derive from the books read than you can derive the Christmas tree or Easter egg from books on Christian theology.
Then one is in a strange land. I did not come to visit the mummies or the pyramids. My ventures—which make concentration difficult are to please others, not me. I really have no time for ancient Egypt but everybody is going to ask me about ancient Egypt. I am not going into any Laos which does not have levels of cultures; and I have gone so far as I could in immediate horticultural work.
Then they are the bazaars here. I have agreed to try to find things for Rudolph and others. I am here. I am in a place, not facing a theory. And besides, one has to do all their work before 2 o’clock, often before 1; what is to be done the rest of the time? Occasionally a football game or a movie and often typing as now.
Then the other associate of Fuad Rizk above is Ali Azad. Now I have been in trouble, because I have the integrative point of view and nearly everybody is an analyst, in his own style. I found Ali Azad, who has long been a fine friend, doing exactly in the experimental world what I have been maintaining as the integrative solution of the Mendel-Lysenko debate.
Then I am sent to the top scientists and while still working in my own fields, copies to Harry Nelson, I get more introductions. And so I try to integrate and every time I try to integrate everybody else takes me up. Integration and harmonization are my work, and if you can call that a specialty, to do. But all movements toward integration have without exception produced satisfaction.
Next the satisfaction made me recall some of the things for which I was stopped, and deliberately stopped, by others. When the depression was on, Irving Fisher appeared before the Banking & Currency Committee and as soon as he crossed the threshold, Senator Nelson, the chairman said: “Either that man goes or I go.” Fisher was never heard. There are a lot of people Like Fisher who may have the answers and some bigger shot acts just like Senator Nelson, more than we care to hear about. This is what happened to my “Plan for Palestine.” So I timidly aired it twice before U.N. officials said both said it was the only sensible thing they had ever heard. My training here also came from my work with Dr. Henry Atkinson of the World Church Peace Union. I am now resurrecting it.
If my folks had given me any education, any training, any craft, it might have been different. I had to face poverty and hardship and I got through somehow. You must bear mind, Willie, that my friend M. T. Kirby for years kept writing me of an imminent Japanese attack on Hawaii; and then my friend Robert Clifton told me the same about Laos. He came to Washington and had the door shut in his face by Dulles. And not one editor would interview him. He went back to Southeast Asia, gave up his citizenship, and there, after the fighting there, Mr. Dulles pursued him all over. So I am proposing and seriously proposing that we listen carefully to Americans who go abroad and especially who live abroad who have something to say.
The next thing I had to face here, Willie, was having gotten in, it was not so easy to get out. You can get planes in any direction and you can get ships to the West, but not so many go East through the canal and of those that do, most are booked. Then, even when you are booked you have to wait for the actual passage. This compelled me to stay here 40 days more than I had been surmising and much more than I had expected.
Next I am in the strange position of going back and forth between Arab and Western social groups. They do not mix readily. I blame nobody, I just mix. And on top of that you would be surprised as to how many people would not listen to me when I returned before. If I had been—and then I had only two main endeavors, it might have been different.
As it is now, I don’t care because I am preparing to come back and am working on another project, which is the efficient use of scientific literature. I have had training in this. It is not my last resort but it will be if I get the cold shoulder. I was at the Embassy the other day listing the number of doors shut in my face without any opportunity, for four of the five proposals that had been briefed to me my by the State Department. I have written that I try to feel what Mrs. Grady wants without asking her. I have also carried, off the record, a lot of things for our “ugly Americans” who are tied down by protocol and this is very, very sad. I had five or six interviews in New York when I returned in 1957, four absolutely rejected—proposed to me by our foreign service; and the other two, much more favorably received, my own. But these, only after a fight, though fortunately I got in.
So far as I know I am closer to Mr. Rusk than to any of his predecessors. As I wrote before Mr. Stevenson is occupying the post for which I think he is most suited; that I therefore did not wish him to be President. I am putting in my official reports that Adlai Stevenson is the most popular American abroad, taking the world as a whole and taking it as it is. It has nothing to do with wishing.
Therefore I have methods of integrative-concentration and these keep me from being concerned as to what is going on in our Southern States or Europe or in parts of the world with which I am not concerned. My own studies in soil science caused me to predict a depression in Russia. I lost all the arguments. I have had nothing but snubs but there is not the harvest this year either and I predicted the same for China. India has gone ahead despite all and India is one nation which is adept in integration.
I wanted to be a research scientist at one time but the doors were closed. I had to earn my living. It means that today I do not preach, but I try to help and this has made me very popular here in several directions. Nor have I failed in anything. But the bigger tasks of my life must be taken over by a foundation or organization. And if someone backed me in anything, naturally I would concentrate in that field.
My poetry, again, is a sideline. Many of our leaders of today do creative work in some art. I don’t want to say more. You have known me long enough to know that I had to eat bitter herbs for years. This is no more and may never be again. But there are other facts and factors at work. These would require acceptance of certain principles, which are not commonly examined in the West but often are a priori principles in the Orient. I do not wish to discuss them here and discussion would prove nothing. When I am pushed, I point out that I have not aged much during the years and there is a very clear “reason” for that and that “reason” is accepted East of Suez and pooh-poohed West, excepting in Islamic lands.
The fact is that I am getting in where others have not gone; I have even succeed in certain directions. On the whole I have no bad news at all. On the whole I have a lot of good news. I am now getting three sets of slides ready. One set is for Pakistan and will be devoted to Islamic Art; one for the Hollywood Artists and covers also Modern Cairo; one for Harry Nelson on the flowers and horticulture of the region. This will enable me to give some lectures when I return. By agreement I am not sending more slides because I am told they can be duplicated at less expense in the U.S.
This coming week I may go on a field trip with Americans and also see Alexandria. I am trying to wind up things and prepare for a return later. One can live here on a high level at little expense. But the main thing is how one is received. And this I cannot well communicate. If the people in California become objective, well and good. But I can name a whole bunch of persons who have deliberately stood in my way and, of course, in the ways of others too, who are popular “authorities” on things of Asia where they could not pass high-school tests.
I close with the case of Judith Tyberg. She was an American, one of the four highest rating in the whole country on Asian subjects. She was sent to India and received a degree over there, too. She returned to California and has been near starvation. For the devil knows what reason, our universities honor degrees in Oriental subjects from European universities. These degrees have no standing in Asia, “only in America.” Judith is the worst victim of the situation I have been deploring and if I name the persons responsible it would not be a pleasant list, besides which few were born in America and even of those who were, few were California educated. I hope I know what I am fighting for. I also received a letter of one of the many victims of this situation, in the same mail. I am fighting for principle before the State Department and thank God, now I am listened to. My stuff may be rejected, I cannot force it, but the reports are received and that is all have ever asked for.
Sorry this is “heavy” and does not reflect the events of the moment. I think I have given you my next addresses and looking forward to a journey down the Red Sea next month.
Faithfully,
Samuel
February 2, 1961
My dear Willie:
I am enclosing copy of my diary entry for today, sent to Rudolph. Things are happening so fast that I can hardly make and then type my notes. I have restricted the reports here having to make an entirely different kind on my visit to the new rural sections, this being largely technical.
As you will see in the diary, I have been both impelled and compelled to accept all kinds of invitation to all kinds of places. Whatever one’s intentions may have been, one has to play the game of hospitality. One would offend one’s hosts if he dared to say he was not interested, but I have been interested in all kinds of subjects. Thus tomorrow I go to the Mosque in the morning, to a football game in the afternoon and presumably climb the big pyramid at night. It has nothing to do with my principal interests. It is part of the social exchange, especially as it will be Friday, the legal sabbath here. I never plan for Fridays; I accept the invitations.
I have received another favorable letter from the American Friends of the Middle East. I am about to send them detailed reports of the most serious kind. It is always possible that I may be inducted into such an organization, which I shall neither seek nor shun. I do not want and I do not need at the moment any full time job.
There is no question in my mind but that are failures to communicate. An example of the balks I have in life can be given: Don Hayakawa and X. are the leaders in the Semantic Movement. They have absolutely refused to accept any contribution or report from me on any subject though I studied with Cassius Keyser, the teacher and closest friend of Alfred Korzybski. My own closest friend in life is, along with the Reinholds of Hollywood, Vocha Fiske who was Korzybski’s secretary and she is also very close to the Reinholds—there is a group into which I was introduced by my late partner, Luther Whitman and our collaboration continues.
Scientists, interested in semantics, had me speak for them and to them and Hayakawa and X. never forgave me. Of late, working with the real scientists I have found they have spurned semantics which is a pity but the semanticists have spurned me, who am always accepted by scientists! However, noting the vast hiatus between the literary and scientific traditions, I have proposed to introduce the teachings of Professor Oliver Reiser of Pittsburgh into the Orient. Reiser was XÔs teacher and he has approved me on every point where X. and Hayakawa have disdained. Now all the cards are in my hands, and this illustrates the stupidity of egocentrism which always spoils everything. When I return home the official semanticists will have to receive (not accept, receive) my reports. The federal government is most interested in these organizations which appeal for public support, get income tax exemptions on both ends—and then close their doors. This has resulted in a string of rackets.
There are only three organizations functioning on a large scale here: American Friends of the Middle East, CARE and YMCA. The State Dept. in Washington gave me a long list of groups supposed to be functioning, which get public funds and income-tax exemptions and the Embassy staff never heard of any of them in operation here! This is something I may take up when I return, and something which appears in my long reports—of course, detrimental to American-Asian relations.
I have now reached a very determined state that I shall no longer be rejected a priori. Rejected yes; everybody has that right, but not a priori. The clairvoyant, Fuad Leithi, mentioned in the diary note, told me to stand firm on my ground and never give in because in principle I am basically right, always. I have the approval here—I am demanding nobody accept anything from me finally, but this ego-rejection which has been given to so many Americans is the reason why were caught short in Laos and elsewhere—we don’t listen to warners and advisers. The only one who do are the very people in the Foreign Service who are open-eared, open-minded but not permitted to do certain things.
I am pleased to say that new administration is changing this rapidly. There are more than suggestion boxes to the sub-employees abroad, something which never existed before. They are encouraged to report and think and consider. If so, we shall have a new and effective foreign policy. As I have been saying—politically and economically we are wonderful; psychologically and morally terrible. No one has been able to dispute me on these points, so far. Few even argue against it.
I cannot repeat that point too often. Our little people abroad, the subalterns in the foreign service, do meet the citizens abroad, and thus form chains of communication. But whatever they gain has been personal. Both at their desks and socially they meet foreigners. I sometimes think the smallest person in the foreign service may be meeting more strangers than some of the most important writers, but they are kept as soldiers, not as intelligence officials. Who then, are the intelligence officials?
The instructors of the American University here are not on good terms with the foreign service people. I am compelled to take sides because those instructors have also closed their doors on me. Why? Some of their text-books are terrible, but you can’t do anything. The American University at Beirut started out as a missionary training school; now it concentrates on communication and goodwill and is almost irreligious. The one here evidently still has the “missionary” zeal. But I say and will continue to say—the way to communicate is to communicate.
Last night another pleasant incident occurred. After writing page one I went to the Semiramis Hotel and was not there long when Mr. Demirjian walked in with the family. He is the man who is getting the slides for me; he was not in his studio when I had called, and there I go for diversion and meet him. If there is a God and there are signs, this is the way I live and still I have no formula; things, the right things, just happen.
Willie, I have grown up and people here see that I have grown up and it is no question of liking it or not, I am going to live henceforth either where I am considered as an adult, or doing what my heart longs to do.
Cordially,
Samuel
March 27, 1961
My dear Willie:
This is the last of my “preliminary” letters. At the moment it looks as if I were “in.” My welcome to this country has been most cordial and opportunities are all over the place. I am enclosing copy of letter to Lewis McRitchie. I am sorry Rudolph closed his doors, to me as a speaker, so I stuck around as a pupil. I found many things presented there which were objectionable, and more that were misleading rather than untrue.
My whole experience in life has been that in Asiatics glamour was more important than knowledge and our country is paying dearly for it. In the scientific field one has to be so impersonal and exact. In the artistic field the creations of the artist are valued and not only his opinions. But in the “metaphysical,” field, wow!
I have gotten around one of the men who stood as a stumbling block to me by promoting his own professor’s works and all the doors are opened to me. I got around my worst enemy, a woman, by having to associate with her own husband’s closest friends. The Prof. Barker referred to above has run into exactly the same obstacles, men such as the Near East Dept. at the University of California, Rom Landau and Alan Watts, none of whom is recognized in Asia but of whom we are strangely “proud” in California, until, of course, they are found out. No wonder California has much a bad name elsewhere. Any phony can come to American from the Orient and be acclaimed. He will be forgotten the next day, of course, when some other phony takes his place;
I have been asked why I spread myself. It is almost as if accidental. You know very well I was blocked in almost every line of endeavor with inhibitions all over the place. As soon as I concentrated on a particular field, it seems that all the old doors have opened. I did not forget my knowledge because personalities blocked me; I merely had no chance to express it, or rather, share what I believe to be actual knowledge. That is going on at a great pace now.
When I complete this letter I shall go to the local college where I may be speaking shortly but I feel pretty sure that when I visit Rawalpindi next the doors will be really open. I have just the things here that are wanted here and I am not only willing to share but I have enough contacts all over the world now to carry on to higher stages.
I have even been asked to open folk-dance classes. It is about time we send a few folk-dance teachers around and a few less Satchmo Armstrongs who go out at public expense to entertain American colonies abroad and Europeans and Christian converts and never meet the masses. If any country ever tries to meet the masses that country will become a great power. Everybody likes to dance, but at their own level, etc.
Cordially,
Samuel
P.S. This is a very beautiful country very much like California. The trees and flowers are very similar. I have called on Begum Salim Khan whose late husband was once Consul- General in S.F. She has a real California garden in every respect.
The fruit blossoms are all out in color. You can see the western Himalayas from here, covered with snow. There are many schools here of all sorts and appropriate play fields. Indeed, education is the main industry here. The army training center is here.
I believe there will much mineral wealth uncovered in the near future. This is, in a sense, a sort of cross between the Coast and Sierra Mountain districts. The deodars replace the redwoods. The weather at this moment is delightful. And so the people to me.
Abbottabad,
April 4, 1961
My dear Willie :
I very much appreciate your letter of March 28. I greatly sympathize with your points of view and experience. I think logically and psychologically you have reached a state of wholeness. My delving into adventure and the constant change of address, previously by compulsion, now more or less by choice, pushes me away from persons.
If I wished to clothe myself in self-pity it would be that in most aspects of personal love I have failed. I have not had loving parents, my romances all landed on rocks, I fathered and uncled and big-brothered so many; death took away the closest and in the other cases invariably a parent showed up at some crisis and took them away. In some instances I did things that were “wrong.” On the other hand at an early age it was pointed out that my career might be one of a big-brother to humanity. That sounds all very well, romantic, ideal and nonhuman. Yet at this writing I am like Emerson’s inventor of the mouse-trap and the world is beating a path to my door and I do get called on all the time.
In addition to my other misfortunes I had two groups of enemies which groups incidentally were poles apart and hated each other. The one group consisted of those who, roughly speaking, held the same views but were motivated by personal jealousies; when I was a key-figure the animosity was toward me; when I was not, they lost out in internecine struggles. At least one tried to destroy me—my reputation, my job was lost, I got kicked out of my home and some rather successful whispering campaigns were launched in San Francisco. That was the only time in my whole life my mother defended me. She did not want anybody poaching on her private preserve.
A wisdom compelled me to become friendly with the friends of this vixen’s husband. Today my greatest champion is the closest friend of her husband and I met him in Cairo, to his amazement, just after I had accomplished my greatest mission. And today her husband’s associates are my best allies both in San Francisco and elsewhere including Pakistan. I have just received a note from Lahore asking for a conference at an early date.
I have come back from Mansehra where I was the guest of the Pooh-Bah of the
place, the wealthiest and most successful man in the region. Incidentally, he
is a close coworker of Lady
Ravensdale one of the four women, members of the House of Lords in her own
right. Judge Rabbani has come to my assistance in many things—too long to
detail. But he put the coup de grace on the others in this first camp. They are
all spurlos versankt.
The other group consists of the Zionist and European professors of Oriental “Philosophy” which has no connection with the real Oriental philosophy. In Cairo I found that the whole kit and caboodle, as we say, are in the bad graces of the State Department and Intelligence. I have just written a very long report to the Embassy at Karachi with a carbon to the Consulate at Lahore. But I am telling you this for another reason.
Professor Barker is a Berkeley graduate. He was lauded as a pupil. As soon as he graduated, the whole gang of Europeans and Zionists united against him; he could not get a job in California, he got kicked off the air, etc. He had the same experiences I did with the same people and has the same friends. He says, “Thank God for the Fulbright scholarships, they are open only to Americans.” He not only has a good job here but is a sort of hero; his name is in the papers constantly and he is doing more to promote Pakistani-American friendship than anybody I know.
Professor Connaught is here. He and his wife are both San Franciscans, graduates of Stanford. While he did not have to go through the dramas of Barker and myself, he saw through the same old gang and his wife too. And they also rave about the Fulbright scholarships, open only to Americans.
You can see how stimulated I must be today, psychologically and otherwise, seeing duplications of myself, so to speak, and in this area.
The big joke about our foreign aid is that we come along with the good heart of a child, not an adult, and push some kinds of aid [on]to people without asking them what they want. I said before that the big problem of this country was the Fly, but we would not do anything unless the Russians invented a fly-spray. So far as I know they have not, but they are in this country as geologists and prospectors. Ergo, we are getting rid of the Fly now.
So, the people are looking to me for the kind of foreign aid they want, which is often quite different from what appears in the papers.
The next great series of psychological impetuses come from President Kennedy. I have been yelling that our “authorities” on Asia have been European professors and American newspaper men and under no circumstances may they be American professors and European newspaper men. Now we have two of our top professors admired in Asian-Asia, as Ambassadors to India and Japan. As I have often remarked: “Who does this Jack Kennedy think he is, trying to win the cold war?” Then, the foreign service is under instructions to listen to reports from Americans, not only equal to those from non-Americans but over them. This was not true before—it was not true under Roosevelt, it was not true under Truman, it was even worse under Dulles. The Laos imbroglio is almost entirely due to the point blank refusal to listen to American reports and warnings.
At least I have a partial warning here, that the Afghans have been prodding the Pakistanis. We have all kinds of treaties and they are almost sickening. After each treaty an invasion and a lot of noise and we lose another country. If we put our foot down instead of our tongues we would win world leadership. Now Pakistan is supposed to be an ally but we shut our eyes to this danger.
Then there is Kashmir. I have no answer, but here is Nehru demanding plebiscites in Congo where the people have almost agreed on what they want and being adamant against one in Kashmir. I am saying today, if people have no intelligence they must have plebiscites; and if they have intelligence dictators are in order. This to me is utter madness.
I am not trying to reach Mr. Stevenson although I had some material which may have gone to him from Egypt. I send to my contacts here in the foreign service and let them handle it. I am glad you see the wisdom of having him before the U.N. He is the most popular American abroad, being what I call a “cosmic” man. Such never fit in entirely with their own people and, in a sense both, they belong to the “world” and the “world” belongs to them.
It is also gorgeous here, with renewed spring. This country is a sort of cross between the northern Coast Ranges and San Bernardino Mountains. To the north it gets more Colorado-like with the Himalayas in the back ground, as they stretch toward the Indus, across which are the Hindu Kush. During the year I may venture into much “unknown” territory. The flowers are in bloom, exactly the same as in your own yard and the parks look like Golden Gate. The chief difference is the Chenar, the Oriental Plane, which is without doubt one of the most beautiful of all trees. It functions like a Maple with its colored palmate leaves. The fruit trees are all in blossom.
I read poetry at a gathering and this added to my popularity. Then I wrote some verses in protest, in part against my own long epics and more against the pessimistic trends in our literature—though I must prefer them to the earliest Gene Stratton Porter and the saccharine crowd.
The Sun Also Shines
A single happy family amid fifty blighted homes
And all the novels about the latter.
A single hundred happy families and a single blighted home,
And the only novel about the latter—
The sun also shines.
The common Violet hides in the woods but telegraphs its fragrance;
The African Violet has no odor but is constantly in blossom—
My Beloved is a Violet constantly in bloom, forever fragrant.
I have quite a few in this vein.
Now I came here to see old friends, etc. but what has happened? I found living here Begun Selim Khan, widow of the first Consul-General from Pakistan to San Francisco. And I have been approached constantly by relatives of Abdul Sattar, one of my closest friends who has long been Consul-General in San Francisco. He has a three months’ leave and is coming here before accepting a higher post. I may be seeing him before the week is out.
Next, my close friend, Ansar Nasri, has been director of Radio Pakistan at Rawalpindi, the temporary capital. We both want to see each other, but this week my friend Rabbani Khan is taking me there to a conference.
My greeting at Lahore was delightfully dramatic. Some of the events were fiction-like. I met Mrs. Ahmed, born a Jewess, turned Christian, now a Muslim, and champion of modern art forms. I am sending her material to Bill Gaskin. And I have the slides from the UAR which I shall show in Lahore after the 15th.
Next, I am preparing a series of lectures on the relation[ship] of Oriental philosophy and contemporary science. I was not permitted to say a word at any college in California but Harvard opened its doors wide—and I think, before long, other places will. Anyhow, I am scheduled to speak at the college in this town. After that comes my main and agricultural mission, but I am holding that off until I see the bigwigs.
Another storybook like this is this: I always felt I was a stranger in my own country. I never felt particularly comfortable anywhere until I reached Japan. But when I came to the Punjab I found that I was at “home” morally and psychologically. I have been told that the attractions to and from the Pathans is or will be greater, My friend Rabbani insists that the Pathans are the Lost Tribes of Israel and has his own family tree in support. In any event on the “SS Cilicia” the Pathans and I had a strong mutual attraction, out of nowhere, and this is even more true here where I have so many invitations I don’t know how I am going to handle them.
Islamic hospitality is very warm but not logical. A guest is an angel. But they can overdo. At the moment it has the bright side that, after being “taken” in Lahore by finding that the hotels had raised their prices far above what appears in the tourist guides, now I am getting invitations all over, pointing in the opposite direction.
Later
Willie, have you read many adventure books? It seems in most of them whenever an American or Briton showed up the people came around for medicines and first aid. Well, they don’t come around to me for medicine and first aid, but they come around for all kinds of things. This has made letter writing discontinuous. There are often interruptions.
The wisecracking about Americans insisting not only on foreign aid but offering a certain type of aid when the people want something else has a serious side. I am getting to know what they want—it may not always be the wisest thing, but that is what they want. High on the list is understanding. We do not have understanding. For the first time in our history we have a few Americans studying about this part of the world. They are few in number and low in prestige. Like the Californians here they have had to face the animosity of our “authorities”—Zionists and Europeans who say all kinds of things about this part of the world which are not so and do not say what is so; I could not get a single professor in California to accept a paper on the Mogul Emperors who were the greatest rulers of this region and who gave us all the classical architecture which brings the tourists. The Mogul Emperors built the buildings, the Indian and Pakistani governments advertise them, but you can’t get a word in in the colleges. Add to that Professor Chaudhuri whom Rudolph admires or admired, all by lying, and you can see where we stand—there is, to pun it, standing but not understanding.
I am determined to fight. You know I have enemies, but I have friends and they are much greater:
Mrs. Grady. The Russell Smiths of Ross. The World Conference of Faiths, headed by Lady Ravensdale, member of the House of Lords; and Dr. Radhakrishnan who is slated to be President of India and who is a very good friend of mine. All the top Buddhists in Japan and Malaya. The American Friends of the Middle East.
Perhaps the World Affairs Council of San Francisco, which unofficially has denounced the “authorities” and whose lecturers are now leaders in a camp to which I belong—Americans who know something about the Orient. This extends down to the City Hall and Chamber of Commerce.
These Europeans did pioneer work in interesting us in Asia; that is something. But they do harm in trying to limit and control the sources of information. I know too much of the background of Pearl Harbor, Vietnam and Laos. My name is on the heroes’ book in Fort Mason, half secret, but Intelligence has always watched me. They saved my life on at least one occasion, maybe more. I am working for principle and can afford to stick out my neck. I have studied at least forty years about this part of the world. I am accepted here and more and more openly. If I fail it is my failure; if I succeed it may be my country’s success. I laid the cards down on the table with my personal attorney, making exaggerated statements to which he would be a witness. He is now strong for me, he can confirm all I have been doing, am doing. I had to spread to study whole cultures, and this is easy when one has the integral discipline. I began getting that in 1915 at the University of California and can hold my own in it.
These things are being discovered here. There is my Emerson-mousetrap parade. I cannot help it. “When the gods arrive, the half-gods go.”
Finally, I may be working closer with your church than you may suppose. I have the goodwill of Bishop Pike, but am not overplaying it. I had the strong cooperation of the World Church Peace Union for years. I may have it now, though there is another generation in charge. My mistakes, at least, are from overdoing, as you recognize, not in under functioning. I am praying God for success in a wide field; it is too late in life to turn back.
Samuel
April 6, 1961
Dear Willie:
I have written a rather long letter to Rudolph. I feel that his intentions are the greatest in the world. Despite the rejection of all my suggestions in various campaign collecting movements—which seem to bog down, though whether there is a connection or not I do not know, if he cannot have an East-West gallery in San Francisco, I am behind such a movement in Hollywood. There, the whole artistic movement is in the hands of Americans. They may fall short, but they are not misled.
There are several movements on now for the exchange of real cultures between the U.S. and Asia. The attacks on our USIA libraries ought to wake us up. I have had so many conferences with representatives of India, and some of them right in Rudolph’s studios, when they expressed disgust with the way he was being misled by Chaudhuri and Spiegelberg.
I am one of the persons responsible for bringing Haridas and Rudy together. I was all for it. But when it came to selecting Haridas as a speaker on Indian Art, I was stunned. I could not say anything because it would have been concluded that I wished to lecture on Indian Art. Well, the Indians think I am much more equipped to speak on this than either of these two worthies.
Besides that, I am not concerned with the value of the religion or philosophy in the art. Indian art, as a whole, is not great. The best examples are either Islamic or Buddhist. The Indians seem to have defective eyes. They can hardly distinguish 4 colors, where we distinguish 7 and the Japanese 24! Neither do they have the keenness of design of the Italians nor the perspective of the French. It does no good to present anything in glamour.
Nor have these gentlemen any idea of the geometries of space as reflected in the art- forms. I do not wish to go into this further. But I know that many Americans were repelled and are repelled by the over-emphasis of the “spiritual” in Indian art.
The Aurobindo Movement to which Chaudhuri is passionately attached and to which Spiegelberg is attached on every other Friday in the 5 months of odd years—and always when he can speak and never when he has to listen—is a front for communism and obscurantism. I had to tell the whole story to some friends of Rudolph and am not here. Actually, Dr. Chaudhuri is not admired by the Aurobindo people and that is to his credit. They use him and the communists use them. He admits privately that he knows little of Asian art; he is a philosopher, not an artist. Lewis McRitchie knows 50 times as much as these two worthies together.
I am on the edge of the Gandhara country. I have new experiences and contacts every day. But at the moment I am compelled to send things to Hollywood for my friends are now the leaders in the artistic world there. Of course I shall come to San Francisco with these things against my wishes, for it will be the American Friends of the Middle East who will welcome me and I shall be speaking under their auspices and this will prevent me from helping Rudolph, unless he realizes that Americans can know as much of Asia as do Russians, Germans and British.
Faithfully,
Samuel
July 8, 1961
My dear Willie:
I suppose anything I write today will be news. Actually I have gone through a series of most pleasant surprises. My difficulty at the time, and it is a difficulty, is too much society and meals at wrong hours under warm weather. And if the world is not beating a pathway to my door—which it is—this is partly because there are three men just across the road in whose company I often am.
This is a time now of harvesting seeds from earlier in life. The harvests are all ripening and many projects and ideas which I had assumed at some early period and dropped and come up and presented me with gifts or blessings. The present parade started with I met Agha Faqir Shah who is one of the leading engineers on an Indus
Dam project. Our meeting was interrupted by a man who claimed he is in charge of Agricultural Research in the new province and he pooh-poohed everything I am doing. “Why, the greatest experts in the world have visited my district and they can do nothing.” The more I went over his opposition to me the more I concluded that it was he and not the visiting experts who were to blame. He is simply incapable of accepting advice or trying something new.
I had to visit Dr. Abdul Hamid, the Forest Botanist and U.C. graduate and have given him:
a. List of trees and shrubs for dry districts
b. The Garst plan.
While we are talking about foreign aid and all that and while there is a rolling of drums—plus the to-do about the camel which was invited to New York—this person is delivering.
I came to bring Dr. Hamid the technical solution of the problems of the N.W. District—dealing with rainfall, sunlight, etc. and it was my great fortune to meet with him one Dr. Ghani who is the top research scientist of the whole frontier and superior to the man who has been mocking me. He not only accepted my reports but gave to me grave technical problems which I am bringing back with me. He also gave me a lot of valuable information which I have sent to Ohio State and to Harry Nelson at City College. Incidentally I received a most important invitation to Peshawar, and I have received a whole lot since then.
Then one Abdur Rahman, manager of the Government Transport Service decided to take me over. I have been with him to the Himalayas, 60 miles north and again to Nathiagalli and Murree, high in the mountains to the East which are the big, summer resorts. I met an old friend from San Francisco there and also called on the American Embassy and Indian High Commissioner.
It seems that I have now a most important and quite independent invitation to India. My apparently private warfare to remove European professors of Oriental Philosophy and make way for Asians is, of course, appreciated by Asians. Satya Agrawal, who was for awhile on the staff at U.C., and Surindar Suri who was also there and at Chicago U. are leaders in rounding up a lot of people way ahead of time. And when I went to the Indian High Commissioner I was given such a warm welcome. What all Asians want and we don’t seem to realize it, is a warm sympathy toward their cultures and traditions. The chief expert on Pakistan in the U.S. is a Canadian, loathed in this country and not admired anywhere else. But this is both typical and unfortunate.
The most important man in my life at the moment is Prof. Durani. He comes from an important family, was born in Madras and after being an engineer, became head of the Physics Department at the Peshawar University. While our Europeans at Berkeley, Stanford, Pacific and UCLA are going around saying there are no important Sufis today, this man is both a top scientist and a Sufi Murshid or teacher. He is also a Pathan. I am constantly in his company.
We have discussed subjects more or less connected with my projects, “Oriental Philosophy and Modern Science.” Prof. Durani was 30 years at Aligarh University which is my presumptive goal in India and has promised me no end of introductions. My talks with him not only include-those about the Orient but such things as problems in color, space travel, modern systems of logic, Indian psychology, etc.—all of which I had thrown in my face in the S.F. Bay area.
All over the Orient they are aware that we have selected Europeans and a few self-elected Americans to teach what is known as Asian philosophies and these are explained in manners no Asian would respect. (I keep on harping on having an ex- Christian Briton as our “authority” on the culture of the Far East, etc.) They say it is exceedingly unfair to demand a Ph.D. to teach Indian or Islamic philosophy and not to teach German or Greek philosophy. Ph.D. degrees are not easily earned here but many know the philosophies of Asia. They are ineligible in the U.S.; they are not ineligible in Russia.
I told the American Charges d’Affaires in Murree that until we got rid of these Orientalist professors from Leyden, Heidelberg and Montreal, we would never have suitable cultural exchange. I am somewhat firmer now. The U.S. is not popular here and all our soothing-syrup verbosity only makes it worse. We need people to sit down and chat with each other without a lot of self-imposed experts to “interpret” everything for everybody else.
The visit of Ayub may (or may not) awaken us to some realities.
One of the worst situations at the present time is our attitude toward religion. In the U.S. if you want to help foreign lands you are asked to give through your churches. But when authorities go to these same foreign lands they will have nothing to do with churches and all suggestions stemming from foreign missions have been rejected, a priori, on this ground. The attitude is that if “we” listen to foreign missionaries here we “offend” the natives, but in collecting moneys, charitable goods, etc. we insist on using these same sources. So the missionaries here are in arms against the Peace Corps and so far as Americans here are concerted the missionaries are right, the politicians (who never mingle with the people) are wrong.
Durani gave me his views on these subjects. He seems to know “everybody” in both India and Pakistan and is an excellent master of the English language, well- versed in all the lore of the whole Orient and modern sciences as well. Yet he is also regarded as the most authoritative source of religious information, etc.
Through each and all of the above I am meeting others and am furiously busy until I get tired. I have now written many letters to the S.F. Bay region but my appetite for knowledge is so great today I would prefer studying to lecturing. I make one exception—I am not going to be rejected a priori any longer, by anybody. As I told the Charges d’Affaires I was totally satisfied that he took my reports. I did not care if I were recognized as a living being.
Before the end of the month I hope to make my first visit to Peshawar. I am waiting for some money from the States. Actually the cost of living is low for me, I am trying all kinds of hotels, hostels and what not and all kinds of tourism. My invitations to the Pathans now are very many. And there is also the temptation to return here if life does not go on pleasantly. It is only that I feel I shall be heard and given some recognition.
The thing is more complex because another professor of importance has answered me, Prof. Samuel Miller of Harvard. He put a problem up in “Time,” I answered and he accepted my answer. This makes me feel warmer and warmer toward that institution. Only Tillich did not answer me and I think he is a most mixed-up man, perhaps a humbug. But this pressures me to go East again.
On the other hand I am sending more letters to San Francisco and have written to Sam Yorty, new Mayor of L.A. and once a pal. So we shall see.
Next morning. It is raining furiously. I had to make a break-off and things happened. First a college professor and student came to consult me on two quite different subjects—I met them in the evening, too, and they are presumably calling this morning. Then I had to go out—first, all the small children came after me. Then I met my friend the Khalandar, long and complex. Then I passed the Jesuit school and the boys called me in—story telling. Then older men called me at the cafe—the Protestant missionary, the economist, and others, and it was almost two hours before I could eat—fortunately not hungry.
My position here has been enormously enhanced by Lyndon Johnson’s visit. Lack of cooperation, even courtesy from the Embassy has made me immensely popular. On the American side it is the same—they were either rebuffed by Johnson and Shriver or treated nonchalantly. Despite all our goody-goody speeches from the top, I have received a single acknowledgment—that from Chester Boyles’ office; whom do we think we are fooling? We lost Laos because we would not listen to Americans there, the same with Vietnam and so far as the public and press here is concerned, we are losing here at a very rapid rate. The thing that stands in the way of further retraction is the fact—and we ignore this totally and absolutely—is that President Ayub and most of his entourage are mystics and therefore committed against any communist infiltration. They are anti-communists on an entirely different basis. It is UAR all over. We don’t want friends, we want followers and all we have to do is to change a slight attitude.
There are now undercurrents of my receiving some financial support but I cannot take this if it be a sell-out. If we are ignorant of Pakistan, they are equally ignorant about us. It takes a long time to convince a person that the UN assembly is not composed of the same persons who go to American ball-games and cinemas. And for my part it is not worth it because while I have won practically every argument there is not the slightest appreciation of this from official circles, or the press.
The college boys who come here are also friends of Felix Knauth who will be back soon. He has already sent one blast to the Chronicle. We all think our position hopeless but I feel that the American Friends of the Middle East, the World Affairs Council and Asia Foundation will have different attitudes. The latter are trying to do something—bring Americans here and Pakistanis here together to discuss and discuss carefully.
The economist who asked me to tea got up and walked away when I told him that we Americans have solved the saline infiltration problem. I saw it at Abis, UAR and recently sent a clipping to the University of California Alumni Association, about it for it is under the direction of Paul Keim, ‘23. What he did and did well is not being repeated. And, of course, they know nothing here about Riverside or Salton Sea. Or again, I was the first man to bring in salt-tolerant crops and while high-level meetings and conferences are being held I am being entrusted more and more with actual problems. I have written to the South Asian Studies, U.C. and last week to Minnesota.
I have been much touched too, by the blasts of explorers against Lowell Thomas. I know his report on Tibet was just about the best thing to enable the Chinese to come in; he gave us rosy pictures of what never was. I have found he has done the same thing here and everything he said was totally unreliable. We say hat good is one man against a multitude; but it is equally true, what good is a multitude against one man, if that man is an “entrenched expert.”
I am only hoping I can run into Mrs. Lucretia Grady. I have been acting as if she were instructing me and so far as she is concerned I have not a negative report. All we need is communication of facts; but the world deals in implications and no wonder we do not meet beyond national boundaries. Anyhow I seem quite vigorous and look fairly young and maybe this is blowing off steam. But I feel that something will come from all these escapades and what not.
Cordially,
Samuel
August 8, 1961
My dear Willie:
I found an envelope addressed to you—I misplaced it and made out another one some time ago, and to “save face” I am writing. From now on until well in October I except to be constantly on the move and in manners so totally different from those laid down by custom- protocol or general usage that only fame or folly can meet me in the end.
We have a team of botanists working in N.W. Pakistan. They go out and examine plants and classify them and collect specimens. They do not sit in the London library and pick out all the books on the subject and draw their own deductions. They work directly with the plants and in place. This is science; it is “the” scientific method. But I am afraid the last words are used or misused by a lot of people to hide their own frivolities and superficialities.
We have only one American making the same kind of research with human beings. He fulfills all the recipes of “The Ugly American” and then some, but he is impossible. You see he is a Protestant Missionary and when a protestant missionary makes a report that is a sign that he wants notoriety or publicity for his hospital or something. Well, thank God that the day of Dullespionage or “dull- spinach” is coming to a close. We had to have Laos and Cuba—and maybe Zanzibar and Singapore. Indeed, if it were not for the mistakes of the Russians we should be worse off. But they are sending Muslims in and we are sending “bright boys” in and we shall see where the peasants turn! It is coming; you sense it in the newspapers and if Ayub is every overthrown, bye-bye blackbird.
I am gradually getting serious letters from Washington. Since Jack Shelley sent my reports to Mrs. Grady I have been getting good letters from the State Department, from senator Engle and at long last a serious letter from our Embassy. Any government that was so stupid—and it was nothing but the worst kind of stupidity—to throw out the careful survey of the American Broadcasting Co. made in Asia some years back has got to pay the price. And if an ABC survey is pigeonholed because it was against protocol or Dullespionage, what can a citizen do? Just wait until the whole country is “shocked” by some affair abroad and I can assure you more shocks are coming although Senator Fulbright has his finger on the weak spots.
As I did not learn about Pakistan from reading encyclopedias written in European museums but had my own way, this has made me very, very popular in some parts. I am slightly unwell due to a case of diarrhea now in hand. As soon as I get better I shall be the guest of Maliks in the country to the West. They want to see me just as the big people in Lahore and Rawalpindi did and those in Peshawar and vicinity are impatiently waiting. Socially I have been a success and I believe scientifically and spiritually also. I can tell by changes in trends in all mail received. I stood nearly alone for years but my namesake Morse did also and in the end he won out on all points and I feel trends the same way.
I do not think I am going to have so much trouble when I get back even if I have to expose certain people in public. The return of Paul Keim to the campus at Berkeley may help me no end. We had serious technical discussions on subjects from which I was a priori rejected so many times—not allowed to present my case—and I don’t think we ever had a difference. My own theory is that when the integral approach is made not only will some solution be found but there will be a considerable account of agreement between those thinking on the subject.
I expect to bring some Sufis to S.F. and they will not resemble what you read about in books or listen to in lectures whether these lectures are by Spiegelberg, Chaudhuri, Landau and the Near East “Profs” on the Berkeley campus. These men are “authorities” all right but they are not authorities in the same sense as the American botanists above mentioned can be or are authorities. It is funny how well I get along with the scientific scientists and how badly with the pseudo-philosophers who claim to be explaining “science.”
I am not in the least concerned with the Russian space flights. No one reads the Inquisition’s side against Galileo. It was to the extent that man would soon be so concerned with the conquest of the heavens that he would lose his equilibrium about the earth and that both moral and economic values would soon be swallowed in speculation. In UAR I had an excellent chance to measure the scientific accomplishments of all nations. It was carefully and deliberately, by checking all the books and patents in recent years in the various sciences. This cool, careful, calculating method is not wanted. We confuse excitement with truth.
Russia is so far behind us in the biological sciences and indeed in most of the chemical sciences that there is no comparison. They are behind us in medicine and we are behind France. Newspapers and the “public” don’t want truth, excitement is wanted. The Russians have some awful theories in the botanical field and the Chinese even worse ones. The Chinese theory of planting is based on economics and work-energy and not on the nature of the soil, the weather or the rainfall. Well, I won’t argue. We do not have too many careful thinkers and seldom among the press. It is worse here. So everybody will go awry on this space thing and the nations may go bankrupt without even resorting to war. Russian needs this psychologically because all signs are to depression and retrogression and little else.
I have always been afraid of World war III not because of destruction but because the editors and commentators would want to take over and direct it. I have considerable faith in Maxwell Taylor. But it is time that the “king”-can-do-no-wrong Dulles is removed. I have had my dealings with the F.B.I. I know about communists in the U.S. “Fine, tell us about them.”
And the C.I.A. I know about communists in Phant-asia. How do you know they were communists? Who are you? What were you doing there? How do we know you aren’t one yourself and aren’t trying to mislead us? Where is your corroborating evidence?” So we get our “shocks.” Maybe less now. Maybe.
At last the USIA has awakened to the accomplishments of real American, real experts who have been sent over here to do real things and are doing and are succeeding. I may go to Colorado some time and the editors will have to listen because the best Americans in Pakistan come from that State and they dare not let their own celebrities down. From this is a horrible thing, that one cannot send in factual reports and have them seriously received.
I just wrote Stewart Alsop a comment on his own article in Saturday Evening Post on our mistakes in Cuba. They were quite simple—noblesse oblige, nothing else. The brains—Fulbright, Rostow & Co. were overruled by the protocol boys and that is it. But even Alsop can’t quite get down to facing this fundamental truth.
I was at the cinema yesterday and saw a wonderful picture, Indian. The costumes were all historically correct, despite the fact that many, many were needed. Not only were their periods proper but their geography proper. They did real research. They could put on a male fashion show, or a female fashion show and not depart from history. The tailors followed the period costumers and not in reverse. Hollywood can’t do that, and why not? I have just seen the preview of an American film, presumably about Carthage and the costumes—mere fancy out of nowhere. So I found the Indian picture thrilling from every point—story, music, scenery, photography, acting, singing, dancing, stage settings, music, everything. And above all, always artistically honest.
Just the same, when I return I shall probably want a TV. But what I want and will get... I understand the Maliks may raise a fund for me to lecture in the U.S. There are a lot of very favorable underground rumors and they may prove to be more than rumors later. I have tried to be honest and considerate and at least here the response is in kind.
Now I have satisfied the envelope, and all abroad for adventure.
Samuel
Lahore,
November 2, 1961
My dear Willie:
Here I am in Lahore sans passport, sans money, sans mail, or as I put it: No money and no mail with the commies on my trail.
And the passport is riding along.
And the last mass meeting to be held in my honor was sabotaged and how. So thank God and praise Allah the consulate here, with which I have always been on good terms, has awakened the Embassy, which has dealt with me terribly and also dealt with quite a few other Americans likewise, has awakened. I can now say that the Foreign Service is serving an American.
I met the Indian High commissioner in August and he said he would expedite my visa. Bye, bye blackbird! I did not name Nehru as reference and I can’t write to him because he is going to the U.S. But the Foreign Service can afford to have me killed just because the Indians don’t return my passport, with or without visa. This is my fourth run-in with reds and I don’t want to press my luck. So I have gone so far this time to notify my attorney, make a slight change in my will and given my books to my godson, Robert S[?]ice, in New York, to use as he will. I was ready to send them to Prof. Burdick whom I despise but this being totally ignored over and over again and seeing the retreats we are making all over rather than occasionally trust a few American citizens: Robert Clifton in one country after another in Southeast Asia; Nicole Smith in Tibet and God knows who elsewhere. That is why I say, there is no god but protocallah and protocalah is his prophet and the sooner we get out of Dullespionage, the better if that is possible.
You don’t see the Russians building bomb shelters. This atomic stuff is just a front while they infiltrate and mingle, infiltrate and mingle, which we can’t do. I have met the Fulbright people, the OIC people and everybody and there is not a stupid person among them. The stupidity is in the system or lack of it and not in the persons involved. I won’t go into here the whole story about the commie plans to upset the peace corps, but if I don’t get some letters soon, I am shall have no compunction to go even to the John Birch Society and Fulton Lewis Jr.
To make matters complicated, no letter has been received by the Embassy at New Delhi in answer to all the warnings and news I have sent out. But Newsweek, by mistake, sent a letter to Abbottabad, advising they were using my material. That is my last news from anybody anywhere. Last night I received a wire from the wife of my presumptive host in Delhi advising he has gone away due to his fathers illness and I have begged that the Mrs. send my mail, if any, here. I have not only asked the Embassy to trace but the Bank of American in New Delhi, because I have no financial reports. I do have unlimited credit here but I do not like to write out checks when I do not know my balance.
Fortunately, while we are ignoring the existence of Sufis, who are all over the place, three very wealthy men have, independently, come to my rescue, each of which has a plan for collaboration in the U.S. All my interviews, without exception, have been successful. Though the Embassy ignored me, I have just seen the wonderful accomplishments at the Lyallpur Experimental Station and the O.I.C. agricultural representative here in Lahore was most cordial.
To make matters more beautiful, my host, Major Sadiq is up for nomination to the new Agricultural Development Corporation and he has introduced me already to the No.1 man. The No.2 man is coming to this house this afternoon to see me—his request. So I am praying that the major be inducted into this work, he has passed the examination but must get a release from his present job. Everything has terminated so well here that I see myself returning from India and Malaya via Karachi and New York, perhaps on an important mission.
I had the dramatic experience of finding my former spiritual teacher a hopeless invalid, allowing himself to be used as a communist front, and I think brainwashed by a pseudo-medical man. His group attacked me—two big social gatherings; they attacked me more; a mass meeting; they attacked me more, another social gathering and another mass meeting. They have been following me and one Malik Abdul Hamid Khan, a very wealthy and influential Sufi and they definitely sabotaged the mass meeting the other night where I was to be honored through a ceremony. This ceremony was aborted. The materials therewith had gone with a bribed absconder. The lights were turned out twice by a disciple of the teacher. There were two fracases, etc., etc.
Now while I had been receiving full assistance from the Consulate here in regard to my passport, they have become wide-awake on all fronts. They cannot afford to have anything happen to me because the Indians are holding up my Visa. Thank God I have many important persons on my side-–through we don’t recognize their existence. I have, in addition to all the letters I have written to the State Department, turned my guns on congressmen. I have the full support of Kuchel, Shelley and Engle. That is fine. I keep on gunning for William Winter but if ever I break into the press... I told him for years I was the “expert” on Asia. Then John Terry died and I was shunted off for a bunch of Europeans who are excellent orators, not one of whom has ever been invited to speak before a university on this whole continent!
Well, I not only have, but repeats. There is no purdah for me here. I not only have addressed more men than any other American who ever came this way, but more women, too. I have also taken the offensive and shall stand no nonsense. This time, “malgré moi,”—Edmond Dantes au Comte de Monte Cristo. There is not going to be any sabotaging on me by anybody and I shall not listen to contrary advice, because smoothness and softness never got me anywhere, ever. Besides I have, I think, both truth and integrity.
Masses of people come to see me. I have an awful time avoiding functioning as a saint ( and I am not fooling) and I am regarded as one of the world’s experts on subjects I was not even permitted to register for courses on in California, amen! True, Richard Park said it was useless. He ought to know. He is in the top bracket with Senator Fulbright and the UN. If his name were Markheim-Stenovich, instead of Park, he might have drawn an audience, and I shall stick to this sarcasm; there is a cold-war going on. I believe the American Friends of the Middle East, the World Affairs Council and the friends of Park on the Berkeley campus will back me up.
All my plans on all subjects have been approved here without exception. I may not be that good, but 100% approval is quite a thing after 90% rejection. My attorney, John L. Rockwell, in San Rafael, is a living witness to claims and statements and you have known me for a long time. But I not only have pent-up energy, I may also have knowledge and wisdom. This wisdom includes a patent fact—I look younger than when I left the U.S. despite a’this and a’that.
In my last days here I prepare to either return to Pakistan or to work out well-financed schemes of collaboration in the U.S. But I am hoping the government of Pakistan gets behind us, so I am not in a hurry to return until this final decision is made.
Having no mail I know nothing of anything going on at home in every sense of the term. It is only occasionally when I visit the USIA news room I can pick up a paper, usually a New York one. Beyond this planning is impossible and I know I am going to have a mail deluge when it comes,
My love to everybody,
Samuel
December 30, 1961
My dear Willie:
I am enclosing copy of letter to the Rudolph Schaeffer school which gives some news. Monday night I go to Karachi for a few days and in the meanwhile will give this machine over to a repair shop. There was no mail today, thank goodness,
Last Friday I took Julie Medlock, ex-San Francisco and New York to an American carol concert. We went to a Protestant American service on Sunday. Much “warmer” than what I had in U.A.R. I do not know whether we shall celebrate New Year’s Eve or not, and to some extent I do not care.
The stories behind my going to Karachi may be important and dramatic.
1. Ansar Nasri, Deputy Director Radio Pakistan, long ago accepted my epic poem, “Saladin” and I wish to find out what has happened to it. I also have an entirely new epic poem which is dedicated to his spiritual teacher and wish to discuss this with him.
I also want to take up with him the matter of getting folk-music records into the United States from this area.
2. My host, Major Sadiq, passed No.1 for the new Agricultural Development Corporation. He passed in everything but “Islamics.” Then I heard that two other men also passed, of a lower grade, but they also failed in “Islamics.”
I have gone to the Consulate and 0.I.C. registering a preliminary complaint. It is not so much that my host was rejected, but that this new Agricultural Development Corporation is supposed to be coordinating the research in this country. There are, for this purpose, three divisions in West Pakistan and one or two in East Pakistan, where we have our university technicians at work.
It is entirely right to coordinate these efforts and American money is on hand for this purpose. But at the moment we are headed for a repetition of what happened in each country of Southeast Asia. Instead of our funds going into the hands of teaching and research scientists, it will go into the hands of “retired” military and other officials, our money. They will be directing its use and selecting the personnel. In UAR at least, although the salaries went to Egyptians, they were scientists, not generals, barristers or clergymen.
Anyhow, Major Sadiq has appealed and if he wins his appeal that will make my story softer. Everybody here wants America to arm against Afghanistan, we are allies. When it comes to China: “Right is right and wrong is wrong.” Nothing is said about our being allies there.
3. The most complicated situation about my Visa may be ironed out once and for all. What extremes had to be used. I have learned a lot.
There are some other situations going on. We are losing a cultural battle to the Russians, by default. People will snap at my biting against European professors of Oriental philosophy. Well, we have sent pupils of these same professors to international philosophical congresses and what the Russians did to us! We are losing one by default in East Pakistan. I was urged to go, but why should I spend money and incur the enmity of the Red nations without even a smile from American institutions!
On Christmas night I was the guest of honor at a monster celebration and another one is coming up. I am often a guest of honor. But I am honored more by birds and beasts than human beings. Coming from S.F. I guess I have the right to be a latter-day Saint Francis.
Everything else is fine.
Faithfully, Samuel
P.S. Just took typewriter to Hospital and ran into glorious potential gifts for Rudolph! Will not buy until after India trip.
Thursday
July 15, 1961
Dear Samuel:
Your most interesting letters have come quite regularly. The last Sea Mail was dated May 12. It contained also a letter written to Florie. Before that was an Air Mail date June 14th. That was most interesting as it told more about your own activities. I am so glad that you are having such a full and interesting life. You have studied and worked all your life and to think that recognition has come to your is most soul satisfying. You are most fortunate to have inherited enough money to make you independent to carry on your own interests. Just at present our newspapers and radio are full of reports on the visit of Pakistan’s President M.A. Khan. The red carpet has been put out for him. The President gave a very beautiful dinner at Mt. Vernon for him. He has spoken before Congress and is going to Texas to visit Lyndon Johnson. I, personally, am not in sympathy with him at all!! He has been very crude and abrupt in his speech. He is plainly blackmailing us. If we don’t to as he says and give him what he wants he will turn to Russia!!!! The Russians are already drilling for oil in his country. As far as I am concerned he can go back home. As for world politics I read a great deal and hear lectures on world conditions. The Orient may be very important but the European situation is of the greatest importance at the moment. Berlin is the Problem at the moment. It is a powder keg that may explode at any moment. You are away from home and hearing other people tell of their problems. You are also carried away with your warm reception by these Orientals. You do understand their religion but at this moment none of that is very important. Religion is not an important question at the moment. It is Power. We are having devastating strikes. Hoffa and Bridges are doing irreparable damage to our country. The reports coming out of their convention of Florida are most disturbing. These are the things that concern us now not what President Kahn wants and threatens to do. Each country has its own problems as do individuals. We in America cannot solve all of them—and we are fools to try. As for Religion, let the Orientals have their own beliefs. Their Religious leaders have been very wonderful men. However following these old customs have been a hindrance to the masses. They are ignorant—unhealthy, and unhappy at their lot—especially now when the world has become so little and they can see how other countries live. I certainly agree with you that Hollywood is a terrible example to show to the world; it is certainly a distorted picture of the American way. With travel and education, different races will, in time, become better acquainted with one another—but that does not lead to peace. If families cannot get along together how can nations expect to. We live in a most bewildering period of history. The problems are just too great to solve at this time. Remember that at present you are living with people who are looking to your for information and ideas. You happen to understand their religions. You have something to give them that they want. But while you are being unduly influenced by them and their problems you are losing sight of the very pressing problems of your country. They are changing each day and we have the most brilliant minds to be found in this country trying to solve them Just at present I am reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. It is a massive collection of that period. It is shocking in its implications. The very same thing could happen in this country at this time with people like Hoffa and Bridge holding the enormous power they do. It is frightening. I find TV most instructive.
On KQED, our Educational program, we have very fine programs, speakers, etc. To see and hear our outstanding personalities is a great privilege and to me educational. Of course I realize that most of our news and our commentators do not do us much good. It tends to keep us unsettled most the time. However I feel that our common man tries to keep abreast with the times. We certainly have enough magazines, newspapers, etc. to keep them informed. I am very much pleased with Kennedy. I feel that he is a dedicated man and is doing all in his power to do the best for the U.S.A. I have never liked Johnson but I understand that he is a shrewd politician and so far has been doing a good job. Nixon just can’t make up his mind about the governorship of Calif. Brown has made a very poor record and anyone could beat him at this point. Nixon has his eyes on the White House in ‘64—so he hesitates to do anything to hurt his chances.
As for religion, I have been reading “The World Bible.” It compares Hindu, Buddhist, Confucianist, Judeo-Christian, Taoist, Zoroastrian and Mohammedan religions. I have read carefully the part about the Sufi. That is the religion that you have accepted. I have found its origins, etc. quite interesting. However with your background and education it is rather unusual that you should have selected this particular offshoot from Mohammedan sect. However, I believe that on one should choose the faith that satisfies his wants. With this harmony in thoughts it is easily understood how you can be so happy with your associates in Pakistan. I thought the pictures you sent, taken with one of the masters, were most interesting. I was impressed with his fine features and the burning fire in his eyes. No doubt he has made a deep impression on you. You are most certainly having a wide experience. As you fit in so well into their philosophy and see so much good to be done for them, it seems to me that you should make up your mind to devote your life and efforts to helping them. Greatness sometimes comes to people in very unusual circumstances. You constantly complain that you are not accepted in your own home town—that has been said by many!!! If you can find happiness in some other place where your talents are recognized and you win acclaim, why not be satisfied to settle down there and carry on the dreams an aspirations of your life? You say that your poetry has met with warm praise and that you are carrying on the work in agriculture that you studied to do. Why not help those people who need your knowledge and experience so much? Fame will come much easier there. Here competition is rough many already have their feet firmly set on the ladder of success. Living expenses are going higher and higher each month. You certainly could not have the social and intellectual life here that you are enjoying so thoroughly there.
I hope that your trip to East Pakistan will materialize in the near future. I think that it is most unfortunate to have Pakistan divided into two parts and so far apart. As long as this partition exists there can never be peace. But can there ever be Peace anywhere????
My family is having a very pleasant summer. Nancy has been allowed to come and spend the summer with us. It was an emotional experience to hold her in my arms again. This old home was a beehive of activity for a week or so. Then all left for the mountain cabin. Sandy his been sent to a camp. He can come next time. Nancy is a charming young girl and we are so glad to have her with us. She is very small and looks just like Margaret. I talked to Elliot recently and he said that your mother was about the same. She is in a nursing home. He is not very well, he said.
It is a smoggy day. We have had glorious weather but just at present there are numerous forest first all over the state and also in Oregon. It is such a needless destruction. Well, Samuel I wish you great success in your chosen life. You have earned your recognition. Find your happiness where you can. Do good where it is most needed. Devotedly
Willie
Tuesday,
Nov. 21, 1961
Dear Samuel:
Your letter from Lahore, Pakistan was received just a couple of days ago. I am writing so that you will leave some idea of how your mail is coming through. Your mail comes promptly. I had received a letter from you with the return address c/o Embassy, U.S.A. New Delhi, India. I answered that promptly is you told me that you were worried about your passport. Also your mail had been held up and that you had not received your money. It is a very serious thing to be in a foreign country without a passport or money!!! I do hope that in the meantime things have been cleared up and that your mail has caught up with you. You seemed to feel very definitely that you were being watched. Don’t the American Embassies give our citizens some advice and help? Surely they must be aware of the situation in their districts. Have your tried to get help from them? Then you say that your carry on voluble correspondence with various people of prominence in our universities, etc. Surely they must give some notice to your information and to any appeal that you might make for advice, etc.
You have said in all of your letters that you have been meeting and associating with the very top people in each city you have lived in. They most certainly should be able to give you some sort of protection. At least they could write letters to your bank here and get information through to you. Their mail would not be tampered with. It must be very frustrating to you to be placed in this uncertain position. Your letter is dated Nov. 18th so you see it came through quickly.
My friends E.J. and Mildred have left on their trip around the world. He has business in the Orient and they plan to come home through Europe and see things that they did not see their last trip. I went over to help her sew and do many of the little aggravating chores that one must do to ones clothes at the last moment. Going to so many climates poses a challenge to one’s ingenuity in packing and planning for such an extensive trip.
Margaret and Carlie have invited the whole family for Thanksgiving. I think that we should have a very delightful time and I am looking forward to it with keen anticipation. Our family has grown!!! Think of all of the people I am responsible for. We are calling an assistant minister and it has occasioned a lot of receptions and teas to meet the Dr. and his wife. They are very delightful and I know that it will be very good to have them. Our Thanksgiving Service this year will be held in our church. Special music has been composed and there will be instruments added. The congregation of Temple Emanuel will, of course, join in the service. I hate to miss it as I always enjoy this service very much.
I have been reading some good books. On T.V. there have been some excellent programs. There is a man who has a program called Eastern Wisdom. His talks every week have been interesting. He discusses the great leaders of the Oriental cults. He tries to explain their beliefs. They are complicated to say the least.
The whole country is upset over the news that the son of Rockefeller has been lost in New Guinea. He and this boy’s twin sister and other have chartered a plane to go in search of him. It is a tragedy. Evidently this son was a student and had the whole world before him. He was on a scientific expedition. One young man was rescued. Let us hope that the young Rockefeller will be found alive.
Politics are getting hotter and hotter here in California. Nixon has begun to talk and he will damn himself. Evidently the party want to get rid of him. He has begun to campaign against Brown too soon. Brown has been becoming more popular. He had that miserable Chessman case at the very beginning to cope with. People became so hysterical about him. It was hard on Brown. With this last election his bills have passed and the water bill was voted by a big majority. Other things also passed which will be in his favor. California is a democratic state and let us hope that Nixon will not be elected. He is already telling how well He could run the state!!!!
I have not seen Elliott lately so I presume that your mother is about the same.
Sunday night it rained. At long last a little water!!!! In L.A. the rain was heavy and did damage where the brush had been burned away but here it was Oh, so welcome. However, the sun is out and no sign of any clouds. We need the rain so badly.
Well, That about covers the news with me. I hope that this will come through in good time. I also hope that in the meantime your passport has been returned and that your money has caught up. If there is anything that I can do to help let me know. There was not any definite suggestion in your letters. It seems to me that your newspaper friends would be the ones to contact people for you. I am glad that your feel so well and are enjoying your work.
It is all a very enriching experience—Write again soon.
Willie
New Delhi,
January 26, 1962
My dear Willie:
It is Independence Day, cold and raining, and I have a little time on my hands. However there is no telling where or when this will be mailed. It is a holiday and I leave early tomorrow before the P.O.s will be opened and have used, up all the stamps I had. When there is time there is more mailing and postage, reports, correspondences, etc.
For example, I had to send out three copies of my horticultural findings. My host, Satya Agrawal, co-authored a book on Tea and I found a very, important practice there which might be applied in other fields. So I sent reports to my friend Harry Nelson, and also to Cal. and Ohio State. I was more fortunate than the Ohio State team here in that I did get conferences when I asked. In this connection it was with the TCU which has charge of our technical work here, I have the names of Americans working throughout India and by a lucky accident crossed Prof. Montgomery from Kansas State who just happened in. This was fortunate because he is stationed at Poona where I go from Bombay where I go from here. I told him about his boys and was rather complimentary. I am still for farm-exchanges and dubious about the Peace Corps.
In this connection I discussed an alternative to the Peace Corps with Dr. Hixon, which he readily accepted. The 4-H approach is one of human democracy, the Peace Corps one of potter-clay, in which we and the Russians excel. But now half the countries of the world are sending “experts” and “technicians” to the other half and nobody knows where it will end.
The magazines deplore the dearth of scientists in the U.S.. Whose fault is it but the press? When Pres. Eisenhower came out for more students of math and science, the press came out for more students of math, science and languages. The result was a 90% increase in language studies. Madison Ave. marches on.
Most, fortunate in the conversation with Dr. Hixon was the discovery of a Prof. Schoonover, one of the world’s leading authorities on salinity and he lives in Oakland! You must bear in mind, how, Willie, nobody turns this hombre’ aside and all meetings seem to leave mutually good tastes in the mouth. I shall report to the TCM and Embassy when I return.
There was a funny incident at this hotel (Airlines.) A whole bus-load came from Russia and I pretended to be surrounded by “Polyankas” which would indicate their nationality. But this is a name for an important Russian folkdance and before I finished the letter I discovered they were “Polyankas.” Then one of my amusing Puck episodes followed. The Russians promised to dance for the hotel staff and clientele, but instead put on a Vodka party which horrified the Hindus. While this was going on I danced for them (Hindus) and won their approbation. Of course this as strictly against protocol and I was absolutely out of place, as I always am.
For instance, while it was almost impossible to get taxis and most of the pathways to the Ministry of External Affairs were closed, I had a most pleasant interview with the Chief of Protocol. I shall see him when I return from the South. Anyhow I have a completely different approach to Krishna Menon. I would prefer to keep silent on this until I get to the World Affairs Council.
The same does not apply quite so much to the Kashmir problem. If I came forward there would be a ridiculous situation with the Pakistan is and Hindus trusting me and the Russians and Americans opposed, so I’ll let the Kashmiri problem freeze. At this moment the Kashmiris are freezing anyhow.
My welcome here was strictly off-color and yet it was most colorful. I have gone to shrines and holy places seldom visited by any American and was received most warmly. When I returned the next day this became official and in turn this is going to react very strongly against those persons, foreign mostly, but some Americans, who have placed bars before me, previously. That is over. We gain no friends by willful ignorance and never will and never have, but we still have the Great Stone Face complex, although this is lessening.
I did not try to see the Ambassador—anyhow he was just coming as was leaving, but got a blurb on him which went to U.C. But if I accomplish what I have started to do I think he might see me. I saw the Chief of Protocol afterwards, anyhow. And yestereve had tea with my good friend, Dr. Radhakrishnan. I shall grapevine this to Mrs. L. Grady. The plane on which we communed is somewhat different from that usual between emissaries of East and West. But I know I was striking home with each sentence.
I brought him the latest book of Prof. Reiser of Pittsburgh, the American exponent of the Integral approach. My efforts are to bring the real philosophers of integration together and it looks as if I shall. In this I have the interesting cooperation of Julie Medlock who has press-agented Dr. Reiser, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Lord Russell and Adali Stevenson.
Much of the rest of the short communion between the Vice-President and myself was of the same order as my again meeting Swami Maharaj Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission here. I brought him one of the poems dedicated to him, and heard him speak. He is in such contrast to Krishnamurti who is also visiting New Delhi and gives essence of sugar as cosmic philosophy. Swamiji is very solid. I brought him another poem later but he was not in and anyhow I should prefer to visit him after he has read them. I am not worried. This is not America; this is where Indian-Indian philosophy is understood and appreciated.
Most of my time has been in visiting people. One of the most ludicrous was that with Krishnaji who sent for me. He seems to be the darling of Meher Baba, the silent Parsi who claims to be God. So he is going into the silence in a month, with drums, trumpets, press agent, funds and a beautiful woman attendant. Then he shall attain god-hood. Poor God! what He is expected to do. And don’t think this is not taken seriously—even in San Francisco!
I have not revisited the usual tourist haunts, unless one calls the tomb of Nizam-ud-din Auliya such, and even that visit was the most unusual. But have visited other saints’ tombs and what is remarkable is the art-work and care in preservation. Much of it is in marble too, and who the preservation of a high degree of Mogul art other than in pictures. When I come again it must be with a photographer and sound equipment operator.
While in the Bombay-Poona area I shall probably take a side trip to Aurungabad which I have not visited and go to the caves from there. It will be a different approach and I know I shall come out with some shocking reports. Indeed, our chief Cultural Attaché in Karachi is an amateur archaeologist. He has taken part in the discovery of two more very ancient cities which show definite Tigris-Euphrates links. There has never been any question in my mind but that city-cultures, in this area run back many many centuries. (The same is probably true in the Sahara also, still to be explored.)
Delhi has grown; it is like a combination of Los Angeles and Washington, Like Washington it has the governmental buildings, embassies and circles with radiating streets and avenues. Like L.A. it sprawls without definite planning, but with pretty good bus, taxi and ricksha (motor driven) conveyances.
There is no question that New Delhi looks brighter today. It is a combination of Los Angeles and Washington which I shall not explain here.
I have sent the Alumni Assn. at U.C. a blurb on Ambassador Galbraith. I did not try to see him and it would have done no good for he did not arrive until after I had completed my interviews. However if I accomplish even a modicum of what I hope to here it will be easy.
The session with Prof. Hixon at TCM was more to the point. We discussed the salinity problem in India—which is very great but de-emphasized, and he gave me the address of Prof. Schoonover in Oakland! Prof. Fireman has been here but again this has been a cross- trailing. We discussed at some length the matter of trees, nuts, avocados and the human approach. This comes up in both plant protection and the proper technical training.
We had a long talk and total agreement on this subject. So far as the TCM people are concerned, there is nothing but continual absolute harmony and I am in a position to listen to suggestions which they cannot carry out. Our main difference—of policy not of view—is that they are compelled to recognize UN functionaries and I am not. I may have a lot to say on this later, but would rather speak than write.
I was fortunate in meeting Prof. Montgomery of Kansas State who passed by when I was with Hixon. He is stationed at Poona where I expect to be shortly. There I may also contact the musician Dilip Koomar Ray, who was for a short while in San Francisco and operates an ashram. In South India I expect to meet both agricultural and spiritual leaders.
If I can find them in Bombay, I should called on Profs. Wadia and Merchant, the social economists. I think they have a better picture of this part of the world than most men. Like Krishna Menon, they have an integralist approach and so are anathema to the orthodox of all schools. As India is integrating types of socialism, capitalism, statism, etc. this factual approach is necessary. (I mention but do not apologize for the economies here.)
As I have been on the round anyhow and have little time I fly now, and hope to continue after landing.
There is a big break of over 2 weeks, I came to Bombay and my host was in Poona. We cross trailed. Then he went to Nasik. Everything is working out fine. I have seen Prof. Merchant above. He immediately phoned Prof. Wadia who said he wanted to see me and I go after mailing. At Poona I met a U.C. man who introduced me around and I conferred with all sorts of professors end scientists, all on high ground. Have since been able to come back to Bombay and reported to the American officials, and more, Monday. It seem that I am as welcome today as I was not yesterday.
I am also living in an apartment in the district where Krisha Menon is running for reelection, very hot campaign in every respect.
All other ventures coming out on top. Strange meeting with one Joseph Harb of S.F. that is a story in itself, but will keep, have too much to do. Also will be traveling incessantly for some time.
Cordially,
Samuel
New Delhi,
March 27, 1962
My dear Willie:
I have been having a rush-rush all over India and am so tired I cannot even take the trouble of proper farewells. I would reach a city with three introductions and all three people would outline a complete program for me. This is delightful as hospitality but hard on the psyche and stomach.
Today, at the end of my sixth visit to Delhi, I finally met Mr. Ahuja of the Bank of America and he enabled me to get dollars again. It is interesting to know that my two big friends, Russell Smith and Lucretia Del Valle Grady, are also friends of his.
The rush is accentuated as the chief Vedanta Sami is leaving for Calcutta; and there is a big Sufi celebration, reading of poetry in remembrance of Amir Khusrau, the greatest Urdu poet of the region. All of this is stimulating. Indeed I heard Hindi poets at Taj and I think they inspired or suggested the piece enclosed. The letter is written to friends of mine in San Rafael, Mrs. Margaret Albanese being the best encourager I have for my writing. (Her father’s name was Samuel L. Lewis and we had mutual friends all over the state.)
My scientific work about wound up today. I shall have to do both writing and research when I return, but make no plans until I learn details of developments in Pakistan.
From Bombay I sent Rudolph a small Kashmir piece and a Nepalese Buddha. I also purchased a silver piece for my friend Seth “Silver” Wood at the Trade Fair in Sausalito. Through the Diners Club arrangement I can get a lot of things henceforth. My only hurdle is my ticket home—I feel I may not leave for several weeks yet and I do not know my own affairs. Unfortunately my friends in Bombay and here failed to deliver my mail.
I have had many strange adventures with strange and mysterious people. One of those who has become strange and mysterious himself is Paul Brunton who wrote “Search in Secret India,” “Search in Secret Egypt” and then a great many more works, most of them not very good. He was trapped into marriage and I suspect it did not turn out well. (Three women were fighting over him when I lived in Hollywood. Now he travels incognito. I picked up his footprints in many places but he has asked for no publicity. I have also learned a good deal more about the false and true in Yoga and other Indian-systems. I am afraid that in San Francisco and California in general the false has been much more successful than the true.
I am guessing that the rest of my mail awaits me in Lahore—I have about four days behind.
Faithfully,
Samuel
April 13, 1962
(received yours of 4/4 just after typing)
My dear Willie:
I have not been getting much mail lately and do not care. There are, it is truth, a couple of roadblocks—mail not forwarded, but the speed of life is so rapid and in some respects so successful that I am now clearing and cleaning up. The Sadiqs with whom I have been staying have to move, change of tenure, but that is only a small item upon an immense horizon. As I warned Elliott I was going to “beat” him simply by being successful.
Have written Jack Shelley an important letter. I not only met many former friends of the Gradys while in India, I had the most successful time with all Americans excepting those of the press and Murrow people. They are living lies and their terrible mis-emphasis is hurting us. I just reviewed the news they put out—all about space travel and experiments and new testing grounds and meteorological advancement. Not a word about what American scientists are accomplishing in India for the Indians. It is a shame and disgrace and if even the Morrow boys pay no attention, what do you expect from the daily press?
Visited Asian Foundation and met my first Peace Corps rookie. “Well, if he sows a blade of grass it is news. You have already sown a whole forest but who cares? This is the way we ‘advertise’ our country.” Americans are doing a lot of wonderful things all over, and I should say a lot of wonderful Americans are doing things all over—we have carloads of “Burma Surgeons” whom neither the Vice-President nor relatives of the President ever cared to hear about.
Today I am on excellent terms with the whole foreign service. Called on the Consul- General this week: “Wish I had met you before.” “Wait until I complete my surveys.” Then I’ll ask him for a letter of introduction to the Ambassador (a new appointee.)
Jackie was acclaimed on both sides but now that she is gone the press is anti- American again. It is stupid and I am going to warn them and the authorities if they don’t stop, he can say goodbye to Kashmir. Not a wood against those countries which are opposing them—just against us who try to be fair-minded. But the press is not fair-minded.
In general I should like to see the President win his battles, not because he is right, but because that is the only way to test. I am for more and more foreign trade. As to labor displacement, I have written a plan to Jack Hennessy above which otherwise I am keeping secret. I know where a million Americans can get jobs abroad if handled rightly.
The other night I saw the Georgian dancers again and as I foretold, the audience was packed with Americans. Some few other Europeans but not the Germans. The performance, as always, was wonderful. Can stand repeats with them. But have little time for relaxation. We have to move. My prestige is very high. I have scored some knock-down blows which are going to be very hard on certain obscurantists who have had too much to say in California. Indeed certain aspects of my private to life have gone so high that this very fact makes it hard to bring to focus. But our political attaches and now the Consul-General recognizing this, I don’t care. My closing hours in India, my re-welcome here and more keeps me alert. It is only a question now as to answers to inquiries sent out for both Major Sadiq and myself. Any one of these may mean a quick return and all the soothsayers and seers keep on predicting the same thing. I don’t mean fortunetellers but even then one Sikh told me exactly the same—everybody makes exactly the same predilections for both of us, So we shall see. This means an important series of careers-not just one thing alone, when I return. My “How California can help Asia” will be expanded. If Alan Watts or anybody stands in the way I shall go direct both the Mayors in S.F. and L.A (and maybe Oakland) and put my cards down, and they are some cards. The few letters received are most encouraging.
I was very tired coming back from India—exhausted. My career there was like a series of dreams, nearly all pleasant. It was like some kind of super-telepathy was at work and maybe it was, Now I feel sprightly but nostalgic.
I have not heard from my uncle. My aunt was very ill. If anything happens to my mother I have asked her attorneys to notify my own attorney, but last notice was sent to me, not to him, and I am hard to reach. I have a hunch Elliott will change his tune—I think he has too many enemies and I certainly return with plethora of friends, all over. Outside of love, romance and such I have not had a single set-back. Maybe it was meant to be that way.
Of course everybody is looking for me to go back and convert Americans to their particular religion and I am most anxious to work on our psychological disturbances (outside the horticultural field.) This will be done, no doubt in Hollywood. I shall be happy to be in San Francisco but as soon as I leave for Southern California I’ll be in the “soup” and yet that is most necessary for any and all regions. So my domicile is uncertain. I only hope the World Affairs Council and the different departments on the Berkeley Campus will take me seriously, but if they all take me too seriously, I’ll be overworked again and I feel that coming now rather than rejections. There is lots more but let it wait. Boy, am I full of anecdotes. My top achievements are to be presented by my friend, Major Sadiq, who, presumably may be with me, and I am to leave them to him.
Cordially,
Samuel
Made final visit to Shalimar Gardens, 3 miles away. Full of flowers in bloom, mostly the same as in California. Trees just about to burst forth. Most pleasant there now.
Expect to bring Major Sadiq, spiritual healer, with me. We have put you No.1 on our visiting list—soon as possible after landing.
Rawalpindi,
April 14, 1962
Dear Willie:
It is all over, my struggle for years, for what I consider honesty and integrity. I have gone rapidly uphill because I have friends and contacts here. I am now the guest of Q.A. Shahab, who is Secretary to the President and the top literary man of the country to boot.
He is a Sufi giving the lie to all our European Orientalists who insist there are no great Sufis today and that Sufis never take part in politics. He does not like that. He does not like the United States selecting non-American, non-Muslims for their “experts” for this part of the world. This country is very anti-Russian. We have the USIA libraries, the American Friends of the Middle East, Asia Foundation. But where the reciprocal relations with this friendly land of 80,000,000 people. Russia has no libraries, no propaganda here, but the Russians invite Pakistanis to their country to explain their culture, their aims, their hopes. We make lofty speeches—and it is no wonder that the grapevine spreads malicious gossip.
We tell each land that we will help them in certain things. We do not ask what their problems are. When I was here before I was told that the greatest problem was the Fly. I appealed in vain. So I used to go around saying, “Invite Russians into Pakistan and we shall eliminate the Fly.” What has happened? The Russians are here and now we are using DDT!
My report to Chet Huntley was identical with the article in “Manchester Guardian” which at least confirmed my powers of observation. Take any sore spot and you will find the Russians on each side and we “neutral,” so whosoever wins, the Russians are there.
This is a country of many cultures, most not presented in the U.S. lest we hurt somebody else’s feelings. This is a country based on religion and we do not like to discuss religion. This is a country with a strong undertone of serious philosophy; it is in the papers all the time. Not only have my outlines on philosophy been accepted by each university I have appealed to, but the President himself has asked for outlines from me. (I did the same in UAR where the scientists accepted the ideas, and in toto)
This is a country whose spiritual father (Iqbal) was a poet. Poetry gatherings are like dance gatherings with us. I have read in public and gained many well-wishes. I have read in private with Secretary Shahab with a select gathering—which I found out later was more select that I dreamed, and immediately requests to copy for translation into Urdu and be published—I could not get to bat in America, just wait.
I have met agricultural experts, authorities, and the deputy of Soil Conservation and they say I have just what they want and have been doing what they need. This follows naturally because I asked M.A. Cheema who is now Joint Minister of Food & Agriculture and did exactly as he requested. I was deposited by a strange accident in the middle of the Agricultural Experimental Station here at ‘pindi. I found the director is the top Floriculturist in Pakistan—more will come out of this. But at the President’s request I have held up releasing any papers or knowledge or anything.
So you see, Willie, my knowledge of Art, Poetry, Flowers, Botanical and non-Botanical Sciences, Philosophy, History and Religion have all done me good.
On top of that I am scheduled to meet the top spiritual leaders. This happened to me in Japan, Thailand and East Pakistan; to some extent in India, too, and even in England. I have written to the San Rafael Journal-Independent. But I have written the San Francisco papers complaining that they ignore “local boy makes good” even when I have most important news. This is old hat to me. Now, however, for the second time, I have been told to go back to California and “fight.”
Mr. Abdul Sattar, long-time Consul General in S.F. is probably in Abbottabad now. When I return we should be having many consultations. He is one of the best friends I have on earth. He knows what is what. I have run into relics of the Mogul treasures; I am “finding” if not gold, then a lot of other things in the hills. I have gone into villages, I know what is going on. But most of all I know the hearts of these people, and today am flanked by Barker of Berkeley and Connaught of San Francisco, young men who had to face the same spurious “experts” that I have met and know what is what and are very popular here. Willie, there is more than a cold war on, but we cannot win by subjectivities and subjective “experts” who misled us. We have no more right to look to a Swede for Chinese culture than a Chinese for Swedish culture; to a German for Indian culture than for an Indian for German culture. Why do we do that and downgrade American graduates on top of that. That day is over, Willie, I assure you it is over. I think, if I have not reached my psychic summit, I am near it. Edmond Dantes has landed on Monte Cristo.
Sincerely,
Samuel
Lahore, Pakistan
May 10, 1962
Dear Willie: Copy of Letter to friend
My dear Florie:
The other day I sent a letter by airmail and I am following it up. It is absolutely impossible for me to tell what is going on here, especially before all people who have had preconceptions and are more concerned with the virtues of people than with the presentation of truth.
I have ordered a lot of books at Ashraf and may add more. I placed a deposit but must add books which have been given me as presents and some other purchases. They may be bulky. Some books are in duplicate which means they are for you—the extra copy. The other books I shall urge you to read, for it does not look as it I shall be back for a year, inshallah.
Everything is bursting into harvest. Every day conferences and meetings, every night teas or dinners. I have spoken to many thousands in mosques, to hundreds at Sufi gatherings, to the biggest governmental officials, or am being given introductions. I have spent two nights with rich industrialists. I understand that big dinners are being given to me. You will not understand, and I don’t myself, that when I enter assemblages even generals and spiritual teachers rise. I am totally dizzy, complicated by the 100-degree weather and I cannot stop.
I am in the home of Major Sadiq, a successful Sufi Leader, who is now planning to come to California. At the moment it would appear we shall ultimately be financed by some of the richest men here. I have just written another article for another paper about him. We are disciples of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor of Dacca. Yesterday, when I was challenged to perform a miracle, I refused saying that my teacher would not permit if I could. The man re- challenged me and said, Who is Maulana Abdul Ghafoor? At that moment a stranger entered and said: I will tell you. I lived with him two years.” There you had the miracle.
Two hours later, I was in another government office protesting against some bad treatment I had had, no answer to letters and I gave my references. A young man was present and he jumped sky high out of his seat when I mentioned Maulana Abdul Ghafoor, Why, he is my uncle” There, another “miracle” if you want it. I got satisfaction, quickly and how.
Now, the books which I am sending you contain three on art. These are, ostensibly, for the Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design. But this is a delicate matter. The contents of the books contradict a lot of stuff which has been put over by Haridas Chaudhuri and Fred Spiegelberg as Oriental Art. Chaudhuri never was an authority on art, but I have never once heard either of these men refuse to speak from the platform any time, on any subject. This extreme egotism has been increased by most misleading remarks. I respect Haridas’ knowledge of Indian Philosophy and respect Fred on Jung and Tibet, but that does not mean that their nonsense should be poured on our public as Asian Culture.
I expect before long to have other things for Rudolph. We need East-West communication, but it cannot be channeled through persons, not to say humbugs. This is a serious thing. A friend of mine attended a peace meeting in S.F. A Pakistani lady arose and said: How can we have peace without friendship. And what do you know about my country?” Yes, what! We not only take things for granted but import non-American, non-Pakistanis or non-Asians to (mis)inform us. This has long passed the elementary stage.
There are a lot of very rich and powerful people here who don’t like their abolition by Ron Landau. He is going to feel it, too. The interest in Sufism in top levels is immense. Not only that, a large part of the wealth of the country may be set into channels to introduce Islamic Culture, Pakistani Culture and Sufism into the U.S., each and all. The details are not forthcoming but the social events are. Your poor brethren of the Islamic Tea and Cinema Centre are going to receive more shocks because the money is coming and perhaps plenty of it, and maybe soon, but not for tear-jerkers who have no conception of religion and culture.
I am having teas, dinners, receptions and conferences all the time and every item on my program has been successful, alhamdulillah. Then, Landau or no Landau, there are plenty of graduates from the University of California here in top jobs, some of whom I have met, some of who I shall be meeting and they are going to cry about being non-existing personalities because some noisy foreigner says they do not exist. The same is true of Grünebaum in Los Angles who is supposed to know something of Islam and blames everything on the Sufis. Well, the generals, cabinet ministers, bankers, industrialists and professors who are Sufis do not exactly concord and there are plenty of less educated ones here all over the place—and I am reaping the benefit thereof.
We are not going to have peace and we are not going to win any cold war until we have honesty. I warned “Time” magazine and of course, they paid no attention. Now they have been barred from Indonesia as has the MRA. Self-praise is an inherent part of most of our programs, we have no time to praise the other fellow and we had better awaken to it. I have had so many invitations to Indonesia it is sickening instead of delighting. Our press and our mad people simply will not look upon the world as it is. Everybody in Asia is a “fanatic” at some time or other and when the chiefs of the “fanatics” are Prime Ministers this does not make good copies.
More important is the invitation, top level too, to go to Malaya. This I shall accept. I studied Asiatics now for over 40 years no matter what the whole Academy and Near East bunch at U.C. and elsewhere think or don’t think. We have crowds of “Orientalists” who want money to finance Asian studies. And we have crowds of graduates of American universities all over who would be glad to furnish, free, all the information and contacts we need to promote better international understanding.
God help the Peace Corps. When they arrive they will be bombard with religious questions they won’t be able to answer. I was royally welcomed by the minister of Food and Agriculture in New Delhi because I know something of the Upanishads, and I mean know. And the same is more true here. Next week I hope to meet Abdul Sattar. I am overworked and overwrought, but there is not one cloud on a huge horizon. The question is entirely one of organizing my efforts. And I have even written to James Wilson of the Chamber of Commerce that I am not the least concerned about San Francisco’s reactions to me because the Japanese will accept my reports on natural resources, mineral wealth, opportunities, etc. I have stood steadfastly for Real Asia versus Phantasia. I shall not withdraw, least of all now when everything, and I mean everything, is coming my way and at rates too rapid to be assimilated.
Cordially,
Sufi Ahmed Murad
May 12, 1962
Dear Willie:
I am enclosing copy of a letter written to a friend in S.F. The harvest, praise be to God, is really coming.
Very, very few of my old acquaintances can realize my position in this country. For some time I have been saying, Emerson’s mouse-trap inventor, only know it is a parade and I mean parade. I can hardly tell you how I am received socially One, my two big backers, Mrs. Grady and the Russells Smith would say: “Sure, we expected it.” Everything is clearing up.
This morning I should see my main horticultural contact in this wing. We are discussing a trip to East Pakistan and there our host will be Director of Food and Agriculture, that wing.
Tonight there will be a grand celebration for me, all kinds of dignitaries, top military men, lawyers, doctors, industrialists, professors. Tomorrow night I shall be the special guest of one of the most wealthy families in Pakistan.
There are two things to consider here—first the lies given out by our European and Zionist mentors on Islam. What they say is not true and what is true they refuse to admit. We have a strange awe for Europe an professors, even in Physics and Space Travel and we are spending millions of dollars in experiments bound to fail, but we do it. This is even worse in Orientalia. I tell you, Willie, it is a shame how we are misled and uninformed.
I am writing shortly to the Embassies and I am continuing in this vein. The “Children’s Crusade” will never succeed. My agricultural contact this morning is another in the procession of U.C. graduates. I am going to work for “California in Asia” similar to “Princeton in Asia.” Our alumni members in the field should be encouraged to report on what they know and what they think can and should be done for their countries. We don’t need any young amateurs to go out. They will be bombarded with questions for which they will be totally unprepared especially about religion. An irreligious man will not be acceptable and a religious man will be challenged. Our press and cinema simply do not understand the world—it is not an extension of Hollywood, God forbid.
To know people you have to know their hearts and minds, not just offer them food, inventions and gadgets which they may not want.
I have lots more in my bags but I should rather take it up with the proper authorities. It may be the autumn of my life but also it is for me harvest time, and how.
Faithfully,
Samuel
Lahore,
May 23, 1962
My dear Willie:
I am in another mixed up period. It is different from the one a year ago because then I took the full brunt of a lot of seeming misfortunes at once. Now my friend-host the Major is. How long this will last I do not know. But I am like my friend Felix Knauth, of San Francisco, who has his base camp near the top of one of the Himalayas or Karakorums, so near that he hates to leave and yet the reaching of the top seems out of question—at the moment.
On the debit side: My mail is? I have been robbed twice. I have lost some papers and don’t know whether they were connected with the robberies. I don’t get much chance to handle my own affairs; for we had to move our home and the Major had to move his post. Most of these “misfortunates” are connected with the strange folk behavior of the people here who seem to have a way of throwing the blame on the victim.
Thus recently there was a lawsuit because a house was divided (duplex),one half to a Hindu and one half to a Muslim. A knot-hole fell out and the Hindus could look in on the Muslim Purdah ladies. The Muslims sued the Hindus and insisted they move and won the case-on Islamic law grounds. The Hindus appealed and won because Purdah is not guaranteed by common law and no Hindus bothered to look anyhow—they were away working all day. Query? Why didn’t somebody plug up the hole? Answer: that jest isn’t done darling. And I mean that. Why, if a servant catches me even opening a new razor blade he thinks that is his job. So there is a comic or ironic side to all the negative things.
Positive things: I have now obtained valuable ore samples from Abbottabad which I wish to bring home for analysis and possible investment.
All my scientific proposals have been accepted all levels without exception by everybody who is any sort of official or technician. This is continuous, edifying, etc. So I wish to return to write at length my “How California can help Asia.” Long, involved and hopeful.
I have met Shackat, elder son of President Ayub and he wishes to join the major on a big American project wherein at the moment I am acting as secretary. Shackat and I took to each other and he has told his father about me.
I have also met and entered into a grand agreement with Sufi Pir Dewwal Shereef who is Ayub’s spiritual adviser. He has appointed me his American representative. He has been very successful in raising funds for the forthcoming Islamabad University which is to be both Urdu-Islamic and modern. He is not only close to the President he is opposed to all the ignorant people who have charge of public religion and in fighting them tooth and nail. He wants less Islamic history (but more religion) and more modern science, technology, art, etc. He already has funds for two American scholarships and several American professors. So I am acting as liaison person between him and UC; if we were honest as a Nation it would be with Hawaii. But we have the craziest ways of dealing with Asians.
If it gives you any comfort, one man is responsible for the loss of Laos: Dulles. I know this for absolute. We lost face as a Nation rather than purge some sacred cows—I wont go into that now.
The Pir urged I return to Lahore and he would let me know when to return to Rawalpindi and see either the President or someone close to him in regard to my plans to help Pakistan. So many elements of foreign aid have failed or proved inept. The Pir believes the alternative now is chaos or a depression.
Actually, after so many people foretold my brilliant return to America, I have gotten tired in being held up here but am talking the one final chance to see Ayub. I should know one way or another by the end of the month. The truth is that the Pakistanis think wonderfully and do nothing; while the Americans do not always think through, but do everything well. This is a long story and may extend into articles or a book. But I especially wish my “How California Can Help Asia” and my answers to Koestler and Kerouac, who have misled us no end.
My friend Steadman Thompson, my host in Ohio, recently moved to San Francisco and began attending your church. He reports very favorably but has now gone away for two months’ journey. If I cannot get other accommodations, I could move in with him temporarily. But there is a test: All the seers, without exception, say that Major Sadiq will be coming with me, with the backing and blessings of Ayub, so I want to clear this out. That is why I feel I am on a high base camp near the summit and can’t give up at the moment. Look, the President of India is a friend of mine and it looks, also, that the next president of the UN will be a friend of mine.
Finally my poetry is being taken up. A second person is reviewing my “Saladin” and I think it is either going to receive high commendation or publication. I am working on another which will be a great work, I know. I follow closely in the footsteps of Mohammed Iqbal, with some elements of Edward Arnold and Tennyson. I am quite popular and famous in many places and have two homes awaiting me on my return. And if our American business deals go over, it will still be greater. But I can’t help Pakistan by remaining here and although I am taking the heart I don’t like it.
Senator Kuchel has acknowledged my brief on “How California. . .” And the Pakistan Review here is yelling for articles from me. It is only with my mail astray I write at random to whomsoever I think may have written to me. . . I wish you all well, but the longer I remain away, the longer my stories when I get back. But here is a secret: I am not getting older! People that miss me even for six months notice this and my pictures show regression!
Samuel
Abbottabad, Pakistan
June 13, 1962
Dear Willie:
It is June 13. I have been waiting for a long time for the arrival of Abdul Sattar who was Consul-General of Pakistan for a long time. His brother-in-law Khalid is something of a problem here. I met an uncle of this young man this morning who has also been disturbed about him. He does not fit here. It flashed before me that he would fit fine at the Rudolph Schaeffer School. He is absolutely an esthete in a land where “Fine Arts” seem to include anything that is not a science—literature, philosophy, social studies, history but not always painting, poetry and music. I know he longs for poetry and music but I do not see them as careers. I have spoken to him about visiting Begum Selim Khan. She is the widow of the first Consul-General of Pakistan to S.F. and has decorated her house in a rather California style.
His family has the means to send him to American and that has been in his heart. So I am going to speak to them about the School of Design. If anything works out it could also be the means of sending examples of Pakistani folk art to San Francisco. It is not my intention to make purchases until August, using funds for travel and other purposes. On the other hand the more people I meet here the less my expenses are although I have not calculated any budget.
I think I last wrote you how extremely satisfying my experiences had been in Lahore. When I returned to Abbottabad the same social and psychological program continued but not at such a high level. Now things are coming out for me as if I had rediscovered “Lost Horizons” and I guess you may say this is so. But neither that book nor “The Razor’s Edge” seem to effect the authors or readers when they pass from fiction to fact.
I was amazed when I looked into the mirror yesterday that I appear somewhat younger. I have been teaching boys various games of soft-ball. My body remains quite lithe and on the whole fairly strong. Part of this I can readily account for but the other part will not be so acceptable. We simply do not know about Pakistan and we do not know about the spiritual side of Islam. All the top men in this country are spiritual. The next spiritual teacher. I am expected to meet is a teacher of electricity (physics and electrical engineering). He will visit here next week. I am meeting more and more of types, the existence of which is categorically denied in our universities, under the heel of Zionists and Europeans. How we have come to accept Zionists and Europeans as authorities on this part of the world is not only an enigma but a source of extreme indignation and contempt. Lyndon Johnson about finished us when he came out for reforms and forms of aid not requested and then boosted Nehru. It is not a question of right-and-wrong; it is acquisition of diplomacy without any fundamental information concerning the country you are visiting. And with the type of men who briefed him—if he were briefed at all—nothing else could be expected. WE do not know these people and they do not know us. When UNESCO met in San Francisco for the theoretical purpose of bringing Americans and Asians together that is exactly what was not done.
Kennedy says he learned from Khrushchev that the Russians have not been responsible for all the anti-American outbreaks. Between “Mc-God-thur” in Japan and our European authorities on Islam, we are not going to get people to love us. Besides that the Americans who are here and know a few things, are snubbed and utterly bypassed, are our best friends, the graduates from American universities, nationals of Asia countries.
One does not know whether to take these things seriously or just sit by and laugh. The more unsuccessful I am in communicating to the U.S. the more successful I am here. My friends Qureshi has gone to Karachi to dispute of some of the Mogul Jewelry. I failed to get any responses on this from S.F. It is not the only thing and I am not the only one to be so received. It is fantastic the way we choose-to-choose-from-whom we shall choose.
I hardly started this letter when I was interrupted. I am actually Emerson’s mouse-trap inventor—the world does beat a path to my door. But too many Americans love maxims, for quoting, not for fulfilling. This has been particularly true of the last reports from both Lyndon Johnson and Edward R. Murrow and the more they speak the more they infuriate. People do not want any moral sentiments—excepting from themselves—of course. Everybody seems to believe that self-praise (by whatever other name we call it) is the solution to problems. And naturally everybody else is repelled by extraneous moral dictums, maxims, etc. Either “we” say them or they are of no value.
I am standing the heat, the social occupations, and on the whole my creative writing is fine when I get to it. But I have my tongue in my cheek. Unless there is a great change in public sentiment here the arrival of the “Peace Corps” is liable to start off a bunch of flares that will make some of the earlier anti-American riots seem like child’s play. These can easily be quelled, but not by any policies now in vogue. The way to meet people is to meet people. To sit down and talk—and now in vogue. The way to meet people is to meet people. To sit down and talk—and listen. Well, we have the conferences, we establish the policies, and the Russians send in the experts.
I am going to work for a real American-Pakistani cultural exchange plus some tourism and other matters. The grapevine news is very unfavorable, but it is not fundamental. We can still correct our errors by applying the jury system abroad—the witness that was there would have much more effect than the big people who were not.
Faithfully,
Samuel
July 3, 1962
My dear Willie
I hope this finds you well. I have received little news of late, but one letter said my mother is reaching another low. This is goes on and on. I have been asked by a spiritual teacher here to return and at least “pray for her.” This may mean something more. For in the last two months doors have opened for me in two fields which are related here but I do not know whether they are fundamentally related:
a. Spiritual healing.
b. Leaf therapy.
So many thinks are given this first name and we begin with Christ and end with Oral Roberts. The spiritual healing I have seen has been both most effective and miraculous but the practitioners themselves belong to quite different faiths and are totally unaware of the existence, much less the successors of their fellows.
I myself have now seen the healing of two blind men and there are authentic case histories of cures of deaf-and-dumb, cancer and TB, the last all having hospital case- histories. More wonderful to me was the complete turnabout of one of the most emphatic, self-willed philosophers into a humble, simple man—accomplished in two hours.
I have been told that I have some of this power and have tried it within limits and rather successful too. But I have not yet the faith of those who have come to me for help. The only things evident are that I stand up under this awful, endless heat; and do not seem to be aging.
I have received an appointment from the persons concerned to act as their representative for the projected Islamabad University. Here, all the initial steps have been quite successful. I have been encouraged no end by the new Cultural Advisor here. I am afraid we understand each other only too well. A graduate of one of our highest universities, Princeton, he was unable to get a professorship because of our confounded “only in America” preference for Europeans in Asiatica. I have been fighting hard on this but have not always been believed. There is no move reason for us to turn to a Swede or German or Englishman in Asiatica than to turn to a Japanese for South American culture. The result is that there is a tremendous gap in mutual understanding.
Between these two factors—the Islamabad University and this Cultural Attaché I find I am acting as a link with harmonious effects instead of being pulled apart like I was in UAR. Actually, the spiritual teacher involved is the guide of both the President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court here and the rest of the world cannot continually afford to close its eyes to facts. The facts could be unwelcome, but they are still facts.
I shall return to work on my “How California can help Asia” and one book
in answer to
Koestler, then presumably leaf-research and other matters. So far as the
senatorial campaign is concerned I am satisfied beforehand but I have never
seen anything noble or high-minded in RN [Richard Nixon]. I also understand
there is a fierce fight as to the next Superintendent of Public instruction.
Elsewhere, I am particularly pleased with events in Canada and Algeria.
The Kashmir discussions show the futility of entering into sectors where everybody used a different logic, if any at all. Special solutions for specific diseases may be alright in medicine, but in politics they would become unacceptable to people who really believe in any form of universal justice. There are facts and factors here which, if I were to relate them would shock people, actually shock them. But the authorities on “Asia” continue to be European professors and American newspaper men, neither of which touch the hearts or the persons of actual people.
The least shocking of present circumstances is that while Pakistan is planning a tourist bureau for S.F. it is also planning to evict our missionaries on the grounds they are carrying on “imperialistic” propaganda. There are far more campaigns to stop the Christians from teaching than to establish public schools.
Under such circumstance it is foolish for me to try anything too big. We are about to waste many more millions here—and they will be wasted—on gigantic engineering efforts which will not be maintained. The millions will be spent. There will be grand éclat, no proper maintenance and the program will be ineffective anyhow. Almost the entire Foreign service and nearly all the technicians I have met stand against the waste of huge sums. But we will do it—Republicans or Democrats, no difference. The Wall St. debacle is the direct result of spending money for atomic research, space travel and immense subsidies to corrupt governments abroad. The ECM nations spend their money for durable goods. The end results are obvious. Russia and we are in a war of attrition and even De Gaulle may come out on top.
All I can say here is that I have not had a single difficulty with a single American on this continent for a long time. I have sent my reports to S.F. (and Berkeley) and return with a renewed outlook and perhaps vitality. If there is anything in spiritual healing I shall try that but I am making every effort—through my attorney and medical doctors not to be caught in malpractice. I have had nothing but trouble with metaphysical people and get along fine with scientists. I am very much interested in the news of your church and to me Linus Pauling stands near the top in everything. While optimism seems high, I am still in a land of endless frustration and red tape—so we shall see.
Expect to be back first week of August.
Samuel