Dear Yuichi:

Your letter of July 31st arrived the day I left for San Antonio to spend some time at my daughter's home. It was a nice visit because we celebrated her birhday and that of my son's as the birthdays are only two day apart. There is a difference of two years in their ages. The time in San Antonio gave me a chance to consider your letter more carefully; especially about the possible cost to me ( and to you ) to have the manuscript published in Japan.

At this time ( now ), I do not believe it would be wise or very smart to make a commitment ( agreement ) about the financing the publication until we hear or know what the publisher wants to do about it. I would also suggest that you should not make any agreement with a publisher for translating the manuscript until after an agreement has been made by the publisher and me.

My feelings about paying a publisher to publish my manuscript is based upon what some writers have told me. Never deal ( make an agreement ) with a publisher who wants money to publish your work ( writings ) because this could indicate ( show ) a number of weaknesses ( lack of strenght ); such as the writings are not worthy or good enough to be published, there is no market fot this type of subject (POW), the publisher's company or business is not financially strong, or the publisher is unwriting to risk ( take the chance ) any of his money on the publication because of any of the foregoing ( previous given ) reasons. A writer should feel that he has an item, or something, to sell, which has cost him a lot ( much ) of time and money to produce. I would not be willing to pay an American publisher to produce my manuscript. Therefore, I am hesitant or reluctant ( uncertain ) about paying a publisher in another country to publish it. I hope you can understand my feelings about this matter ( subject ). We should wait to see what the Japanese publisher wants to do before we plan any publication parties.

Publication parties are common here in the U.S.A. I had planned to have a small one in my apartment for close and good friends if my manuscript is published.

Again , I want to thank you and Mr.Mori for all the effort and work you have done on my behalf ( for me ). I appreciate your interest for waiting the manuscript published.

I was glad tto learn the facts about the publication of K.Cambon's book because it gave me a better understanding of the problems which would have to be considered ( solved ) if the manuscript is published in Japan. Your explanations are very helpful.

Although I think it is too early to discuss or talk about a publication party. I will give you my thoughts about it. I would be willing to go to Japan, but I would not expect Sam or Nakajima to finance ( pay ) for any part of the trip, unless they were to receive some benefits from it. However, any assistance in hotel costs would be appreciated. I do not want to burden you and your wife with my staying at your home. It was nice of you to consider it. I would like to know if you have any suggestions about inexpensive hotels. I do not want to pay $200 a night for a room. I like to pay less money for each night and then stay for a longer time.

I would like to invite friends to a publication party in Japan, but the invitations would have to be written very carefully and clearly so that they would not expect me to pay for their trip.

I regret the confusion about the word -"Comments". Your definitions are correct. It does mean -"auxiliary notes relating to a subject", "a person's views,thoughts or way of thinking". When I ask for your comments, I am asking you for your thoughts ( what you think ) about a particular topic or subject. When I give you my comments, I am giving you my thoughts, or additional information, about the topic being discussed.

I agree with you about your basic principle of life, but I do not want you to feel that you have any obligation to do the hard work of translating my manuscript. It is more important at our age in life to enjoy the time that we have left than to assume ( take on or to do ) more work of lesser importance. Therefore; I suggest that we wait to see what the publisher wants to offer or do before you continue the work of translating. We should be careful in making any agreements before you and I have had the opportunity to discuss it with each other. We must take only one step at a time.

I hoep I have discussed or cover all of your questions in your letter.

There is a possibility that I will be going to the San Francisco area next week to visit my 92 year old uncle. I would be gone for about ten days. I would enjoy some cooler weather as it has been 95 degrees and higher in Austin. San Francisco had some hot days ( 85-90 degrees ).

My best wishes to you. Have a good time

Sincerely
Bob