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Sektionschef Dr. Rudolf Wran
Bundesministerium für Unterricht
und kulturelle Angelegenheiten
Minoritenplatz 5
A-1014 Vienna, Austria

Re:  Bloch-Bauer Estate

Dear Dr. Wran:

 Thank you for your May 14, 1999 letter. I hope you have had an excellent trip to China. I have never been, but my brother went last year and brought back some incredible pictures. I am sure your trip was just as rewarding.

 I would like to follow up on a few open points. (I apologize if you have already answered these with regular mail, but with all of the Austrian and American holidays, the mail can take 10 days or more.  Please send me correspondence by fax at 1-213-473-2222 or email at schoera@ffhsj.com and randols@primenet.com, and send a copy to Dr. Andreas Lintl to avoid any delays.)

 1.  Did the Beirat select an attorney to determine the current heirs of Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer? If so, what is his/her name, address and fax number?  If there are any questions, I would like an opportunity to resolve them before the June 28 meeting.

 2.  Has Dr. Bacher completed his supplemental report? At our meeting he said that he wanted to respond to my April 20, 1999 letter, but I have not yet received anything from him.

 3.  After further consultation with other lawyers here and in Austria, I believe that the key fact in response to Dr. Kremser's apparent argument is that Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer was the sole owner of the Klimt paintings, and therefore Adele's will was, and is, irrelevant and of no legal consequence. Has Dr. Kremser reconsidered his argument? I have not received anything in writing from him. If he is intending to continue in his opposition to the return of the paintings (which I hope is not the case), I would like to see his written opinion far enough in advance of the June 28 meeting so that I can respond appropriately after consulting with my colleagues.

 4.  I have sent additional correspondence by e-mail to Monika Mayer of the Belvedere in reference to the Zuckerkandl portrait.  I have yet to see any reliable evidence that this painting is not subject to restitution under the second prong of the new law. It was in Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer's possession until 1939 and was never returned to the family after his death.

 5.  Do you still hope for a decision on the Bloch-Bauer matter before the end of July?

 Thank you again for your assistance and careful consideration of this important matter.  I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

   Very truly yours,

   E. Randol Schoenberg

cc:    Mrs. Maria Altmann

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