Nov. 20, 1968

A-1190 Wien

Mestrozigasse 5

Tel. 47 51 85

Mr

Elie Wiesel

310 Riverside Drive

New York 25, N.Y. 10025

USA

Dear Sir and Friend,

In June 1942, in Lemberg, in strange circumstances, a young SS man in agony confessed his crimes to me in order, he said, to die in peace after having obtained a pardon from a Jew. I felt I had to refuse him this pardon. I then discussed the incident for a long time with my fellow prisoners and, after the liberation, I went to see the young Nazi's mother but didn't have the courage to tell her the truth about her son.

Obsessed by this story, I decided to tell it, and at the end of my manuscript I ask the question that, even today, because of its political, philosophical or religious significance, deserves an answer: was I right or was I wrong? I decided to ask this question

to put it directly, in several countries, to a number of personalities, including you, whose opinion I value highly.

You will receive a copy of the French translation of my story "Les Fleurs de Soleil". I would be very pleased and honoured if, after reading it, you would like to take part in the debate. If, as I very much hope, you respond favourably to my request, I would be grateful if you could send me your contribution, 4 or 6 pages would be sufficient, with your permission to publish it after my story.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

[not signed]

ELIE WIESEL

Dec. 1, 1968

Dear Sir and Friend,

Despite my admiring sympathy for what you do, I do not think, to my great regret, that I can answer your question and "take part in the debate".

Firstly, I don't like debates: I easily get lost in them. Secondly, I couldn't put myself in your shoes: I don't know how I would have behaved in a similar situation.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration,

Elie W.

Elie Wiesel

Dec. 17, 1968

A-1190 Wien

Mestrozigasse 5

Tel. 47 51 85

Mr

Elie Wiesel

310 Riverside Drive

New York 25, N.Y. 10025

USA

Dear Sir and Friend,

I regret your decision, all the more so because, having read your books (except "A beggar in Jerusalem", for which I am waiting for a translation), I would particularly have liked to see you among the authors expressing their opinion on the problem I am raising.

Perhaps I wasn’t clear when I said it was a debate, since each of the personalities consulted gives their opinion without knowing the opinion of the others. Allow me to add that you are more at ease than you say in debates when you find yourself involved.

When I was in Paris lately, a friend told me that in a TV debate following the screening of an American film on antisemitism, your contributions struck him as very clear and lucid.

Kind regards,

[not signed]

Dec. 25, 1968

Dear Sir and Friend,

I would like to do you this favour, but it is really impossible for me to comment on the problem you raise. Having said that, perhaps I will do so after your book has been published, all right?

I could report on it in the newspapers: it wouldn't be any less useful to you, you'll see.

Kind regards,

Elie Wiesel