1O September 193O  81 Harley Street  London W1

Dear Professor,

«IP4,0»The sad news is in tonight's paper and I hasten to express to you my deep sympathy.  You have had experience in bearing the blows death can deal, but this one must have a peculiar poignancy of its own.  How clearly I can picture seeing her a year ago as she sat enjoying the news of her son.«FN1.××Freud's mother, Amalie, died on 12 September, see Jones (1957a, p. 152; 1957b, p. 162).

»  I will tell you something that probably you never heard.  When we were discussing your operation in S. Cristoforo the question came up of what to do in the event of your refusing to undergo it.  Someone, I think it was Eitingon, asserted that the final and most potent appeal that could be made to you was "for your mother's sake".«FN1.××In Jones (1957a, p. 93; 1957b, p. 98) the version put forward is that it was Rank's idea, not Eitingon's.  Moreover, Freud on this occasion seems unperturbed by this remark, whereas, according to Jones, later in London he charged "Mit welchem Recht" (with what right).

»  To our relief, however, you acted without hesitation.

You have many who feel for you in this moment, but not many who do so more warmly than

Your affectionate friend and pupil  Ernest Jones