Stuk 86 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Julian Trevelyan

Originally including an enclosure [a letter from his bank?] saying there is little hope of Julian getting off the tax [see 15/85], and that it would be an expensive waste of money to consult French lawyers at the Consulate. Is willing to enable Julian to pay, and has therefore transferred eighty-five pounds to his account at Drummonds. Julian would be able to avoid paying the tax if Bob were paying him an allowance of four hundred pounds from his income, which already had been taxed, but cannot since the covenant avoids English tax. Has consulted Irene [Cooper Willis], who agrees with the bank's advice. Thinks that Julian should pay when the demand comes and not try to fight it; is happy to help, especially as Julian is 'so busy painting' at the moment and 'ought not to be bothered by money worries'. Julian must think over what he should do; Bob may have been premature in suggesting in his last letter that it 'might be impossible' for him to be domiciled in France, and does not want to put any pressure on him. Even if France does need to 'go off gold', it will probably happen as slowly as possible so the exchange will not be affected for a while. Hopes to see Julian either in Paris or here in January; will probably go to Italy either in December or January so must be careful not to miss him. Meanwhile, Julian should keep hold of the flat for the present, and not worry; there will be plenty of time to decide what to do.