To Lawrence G. Frank, consul general of the American legation in Vienna [Letter 334]

[Page 1]
March 27, 1948

Mr. Lawrence C. Frank
Consul General
American Legation
(Consular Section)
Vienna, Austria

My dear Mr. Frank:

Under date of March 25, 1947, my attorneys, Gall and Lane, of Washington, D.C., transmitted to you my affidavit of support on behalf of Marie Strachow, of Lager, Neumarkt bei Salzburg, Austria, in order that Mrs. Strachow might be granted a visa for admission to the United States. You acknowledged receipt of this document and correspondence by letter to Messrs. Gall and Lane under date of April 17, 1947.

I understand that your office is now considering the application of Mrs. Marie Strachow for a visa, and I, therefore, write further to express my anxiety on her behalf and to urge that her application be given every favorable consideration.

I am extremely anxious to bring my dear friend, Marie Strachow, to this country, and that everything possible be done to insure her admission. I understand that the nature and sincerity of my interest in her is one of the matters which will have to be considered in arriving at a decision respecting the issuance of her visa, since she is only a friend of mine and not a relative. This is to assure you that my feeling and concern for her are much more than a casual friendship and that I consider her as a member of my family.

I had always hoped to bring my parents to America some day, when I had made good. But my parents have died since I left Russia, and I have no way of finding any other relatives of mine, or even of learning whether any of them are still alive. Mrs. Strachow was my Mother’s closest friend and my first teacher of English.

[Page 2]
Mr. Lawrence C. Frank
Page 2
March 27, 1948

She is now the only tie to my childhood and family left to me. So you will understand my eagerness to see her and to take care of her in her old age, as I had hoped to take care of my mother.

I am well able to provide for Mrs. Strachow’s support financially, and I am in a position to assure you that she will not become a public charge in this country.

I shall be profoundly grateful if you find it possible to grant my request.

Sincerely,

Ayn Rand O’Connor

ARO’C.jk