October 2, 1940.
 
 
Dear Alex--
 
 
I have your very nice letter of September 
first and I can understand perfectly the reasons 
which prompted you to send it. However, the
situation in the world is such and the conditions 
confronting the United States are such that I 
feel your ability and experience are very much 
needed in the Government during these trying days.
 
 
May I ask you, therefore, to reconsider 
and stay on at least until conditions improve?
I shall regard it as a personal favor to me, and 
I repeat that your leaving the Service would mean 
an inestimable loss to the Government of a very 
devoted and able public servant.
 
 
With warm personal regards,
 
 
Always sincerely,
 
 
 
Alexander C. Kirk, Esq.,
 
Charge d'Affaires ad interum,
 
Berlin,
 
Germany.