EDITED TRANSCRIPT OF NEWS Broadcast by BBC-TV, 30 September, also taped for use by BBC II radio.
Hugh Gowling: Today, the tradition of British participation in the excavation of ancient Egypt was renewed by the arrival of Lord Grover, fifth earl of Wheatston, in Cairo. Lord Grover is financing and participating in a new dig recently approved by Cairo. Our correspondent, Jeffrey Constable, interviewed him as he arrived in the United Arab Republic.
(Film clips of airport interview)
Constable: We are here at the Cairo airport with Lord Grover, fifth earl of Wheatston, a gentleman well-known to many of our viewers at home. May I ask you, Lord Grover, what exactly do you expect to find?
Grover: Well, as you know, the dig will be located in Luxor, near the ancient city of Thebes. It is a rich and famous region, archaeologically speaking.
Constable: Have you any particular thing you hope to discover?
Grover: (gesturing) Palaces…empires…perhaps nothing. Whatever the unwilling earth yields.
Constable: How long will this dig be running, sir?
Grover: It is impossible to say, and I shouldn’t like to make an optimistic prediction, since any prediction is most likely wrong.
Constable: If in fact you discover something of major importance, will it go to the British Museum?
Grover: (sternly) My dear fellow, this project is being conducted with the kind cooperation of the government of the United Arab Republic. The decision as to the disposition of any artifacts must remain in their knowledgeable hands.
Constable: (undeterred) I understand preparations for the dig are in full swing. When will you begin work?
Grover: (fanning his face with a newspaper) Not until it’s cooler, I hope!
Constable: Will you remain with the project throughout?
Grover: I should like to very much, but I am not sure it will be possible.
Constable: I see that you are accompanied by several young ladies—
Grover: Close family friends.
Constable: Will they join you at the dig?
Grover: It is my devout wish. It should be an excellent educational experience.
Constable: On the eve of this exciting adventure, do you have any final thoughts, hopes, or fears?
Grover: Oh yes, fears, lots of fears.
Constable: What, specifically?
Grover: The curse of the Pharaohs!
(Laughter)
Hugh Gowling: Lord Grover, in point of fact, would not disclose the precise nature of the expedition, but reliable sources have indicated that he hopes to find the lost tunnel which connects the Valley of Kings to the funerary temples along the Nile. There is considerable controversy among authorities here as to whether the tunnel actually exists, and Lord Grover may settle speculation once and for all.
Sir Roderick Thorpe-Trevor, Curator of Egyptian Antiquities, of the Ashmolean Museum, said: “I wish them all the luck in the world.”
Letter received by Robert Sevrais at American Express, Syntagma Square, Athens, upon presentation of passport:
Banque Nationale
Geneve, Suisse
28 Septembre, 19—
Mr. Robert Sevrais
c/o American Express
Athens, Greece
Grèce
Dear Mr. Sevrais:
Following your directions, an account has been opened in your name. We shall await further instructions from you. Please be informed that we have waived the rule that single transactions in excess of two million dollars U.S. will require personal presentation of suitable identification. Fully handwritten letters will be accepted in lieu of this for deposit transfers only.
Trusting that this meets with your approval, I am,
Georges Lemarc, for the Banque Nationale
Contents of safe deposit box number 423–88, National Bank of Greece, as rented by Robert Pierce, U.S. Passport number D098177: one Brazilian passport in name of Robert Sevrais.
Rental for three years beginning 29 September, paid in advance.
30 SEPTEMBER 19—
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TRANSCRIPT OF STATEMENT BY DR. ALI VARESE, DIRECTOR OF ANTIQUITIES SERVICE, EGYPTIAN MUSEUM, CAIRO, U.A.R.
It is with great pleasure that the government and people of the United Arab Republic support the expedition of Dr. Harold Barnaby to survey the tombs of the Nobles and Pharaohs in Luxor. Our heartfelt hopes for a successful undertaking go with the entire group.
The history of Egypt is a monumental step in the history of all mankind, and all men must share, as brothers, in the excitement at the start of such a project. It is significant that at the same time men are working at the Aswan High Dam for the betterment of humanity in the present, others are working in Luxor for a better understanding of humanity in the past.