March 8, 1921
Dear Solovine,
Thank you for the cheerful report. But are you collecting the 10% per copy which I had intended for you? If not, then simply keep for yourself one-third of the sum (20%) due me. I can tell by your question that you have been very conscientious about the translation. For that reason I am writing to offer you the exclusive translation right and promise always to place at your disposal whatever I decide to have translated into French. Just how do mathematical writings fit into the picture? I approve of the contract.
That abominable X… falsified my foreword by inserting letters—without my permission—which came, not directly from me, but from an acquaintance of mine whom he had showered with French comeliness. You would be rendering me a great service if you could help me expose the blackguard publicly.* Soon you will receive a short lecture and supplement to be translated. You may be surprised to learn that I have to ask the Academy for permission to have it translated. Perhaps those chauvinists will allow me to publish this nonsense in French.
I am not eager to go to America but am doing it solely in the interest of the Zionists, who must beg for dollars to build educational institutions in Jerusalem, and for whom I act as high priest and decoy. If we were at all interchangeable, I would gladly send you in my place. But I am really doing whatever I can for the brothers of my race who are treated so badly everywhere. I am sure that we would understand each other perfectly if we met again. I do not think that all this undeserved incense has blackened my soul. I regret that I failed to give you my little book to translate too. But how could I have done so? If I could do something to put that wretched X… in his place, I would not hesitate. Write me here. Perhaps it is still possible, before the trip. If necessary, I will have it forwarded. I am leaving here on March 21. Leave out the titles of the Leyde lectures—just do whatever you think best.
Most cordial greetings,
Your
A. Einstein
*I have not read the book by X… and therefore do not know whether it has any merit.