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James Burness & Sons
138, Leadenhall Street

London, 7th September, 1915
MM. Worms & Co - Paris

Dear Sirs,
Proposed Port Said Meeting.
We made an early call upon M. Newton Dunn this morning when he told us that MM. Cory Brothers & C°'s London firm were still without any reply from Sir Clifford Cory as to whether it was convenient for him to attend the proposed Meeting on Tuesday next, but M. Dunn said he had had some conversation with M. Strutt of MM. Moxey, Savon & C° last evening and the latter gentleman seemed somewhat to have relaxed in his previous obduracy and had promised to write M. Moxey last evening in connection with the proposed advance. We told M. Dunn that if an understanding upon the subject could be arrived at between now and the day of the proposed Meeting we thought it would he a great relief to your Senior not to have to come over, having regard to the arduous duties which are now thrown upon his shoulders and the long hours he has to work, a fact which M. Dunn quite appreciates, and when we told you this on the telephone you said you would be greatly relieved if the necessity of your having to come over could be avoided.
M. Newton Dunn said on his own behalf he had sounded M. Strutt with a suggestion of 5/- advance all round, but he believed M. Strutt had not put this forward to M. Moxey as in M. Strutt's opinion it seemed too much. This afternoon as M. Newton Dunn had gone for the day and failing to get hold of any other of the responsible members of his staff we took it upon ourselves to have a few words with M. Strutt about the matter over the telephone, and we have just telegraphed you the result of our conversation with that gentleman as follows:
"Moxey telegraphs Strutt no justification for increasing price before first October - Strutt considers five shillings excessive - have told Strutt do not think you would stand out for sixpence one way or the other Strutt is to consult Moxey again and promises reply Thursday."
We shall advise you of further developments in due course, and meanwhile.
We are, Dear Sirs,
Yours truly,

James Burness & Sons

Since drafting the foregoing we have been able to anticipate it over the telephone, when we understood you to say that if the increase were to take effect from 20th September you might be satisfied with 55/-, but if it were to be put off until 1st October you would want rather more than that. At the same time if some proposal were to be formulated for the 1st October you would be prepared to consider it and we shall be guided accordingly.
Yours truly,

James Burness & Sons