BR TO ISAIAH BERLIN, 14 MAY 1937
BRACERS 58022. ALS(X). Bodleian Library, I. Berlin papers
Proofread by K. Blackwell

<letterhead>
Telegraph House
Harting, Petersfield.
May 14, 1937

Dear Berlin

Thank you for your letter. I am very glad to hear of your success in regard to the invitation to lecture. I cannot possibly give definite answers on the points you raise until I hear further from Chicago. I ought to get a letter from there in about 10 days, and if that does not clear up all points I will try to do so by cable.

The American invitation is definitely for 2 years, and I cannot jeopardize it for a prospect which remains uncertain. But I think it probable that I can come to some arrangement with them which will suit you.

There are 2 reasons which make me prefer, if possible, to give the Oxford lectures next spring: (1) they can be better if I have longer to prepare them; (2) if the All Souls plan succeeds, I would rather it were after my 2 years in Chicago. I doubt if they would agree to one year. But at the moment I can’t be definite. I will do my utmost to clear up the doubtful points quickly.

I apologize for thinking you a Doctor. It always annoys me when Americans call me Dr. Russell, so I am inexcusable.

With much gratitude

Yours sincerely
Bertrand Russell.