TAA i.2.2.61

Feb. 19

Working at Carters all day. After tea went

over to Luxor.

Heard that Engelbach had been informed that

all visits to tomb were indefinitely postponed.

Feb. 20

Stayed at home writing, as Carter was in

Luxor to meet Allenby.

Eclipse of the moon.

Feb. 21

Working all day on statement of case.

Telegram from Minister that Council of Ministers

had passed an arrete confiscating the tomb,

and stating that it would shortly be ar/<re>opened by

Government.

Letter from Maxwell stating that he had had

an interview with the Minister, and that, finding

that they would not recede from their position, had

set the writs in motion.

Feb 22

Telegram from Lacau saying he was to open the

tomb at 2 P.M., and asking Carter and his collaborators

to be present. Later in morning a letter in similar

terms sent by hand from Steamer. Carter replied that

he failed to see why the tomb should be forced today,

and considering that the question of sequestratorship

was to come up in the Courts tomorrow, and the question

of safeguarding the objects was not urgent, but could

well be left until after the decision of the Court.

At about a quarter to two Lacau drove up the

road, and stopping at the turn to Carter's house

sent a policeman with a letter asking for the keys,

saying that if they were not forthcoming by 2.30

he would break open the gates. Carter replied in writing,

refusing to deliver up keys, and making a formal protest