The following letter was published in Affectionately, Marcel: The Selected Correspondence of Marcel Duchamp, by Francis M. Naumann and Hector Obalk Ludlon (2000, Ludlon Press, Ghent). It pertains to Katherine Dreier’s decision to withdraw pieces from the Museum of Modern Art exhibition Fantastic Art: Dada and Surrealism. I.              Marcel Duchamp To Katherine S. Dreier  9 February, 1937, Paris11 Rue Larrey 9^th Feb 37
            Bombshell all right.It is difficult to picture the whole thing from my peaceful Paris ___     but your statement clarified the situation for the public.Also it will make the public more conscious of the importance of what is     going on ____Comparing with our past times  —- the Matisse, the cubist and futurist  episodes —-  it is always good for general recognition to stir the stew  which is generally created by such episodes.As for Man Ray, he does not want to do any further move giving     unnecessary publicity to the museum.I still think that criticizing for or against is of equal value, meaning that    the amount of publicity is proportional to the number of lines written    for as well as against.—- The thing criticized always profits by any criticism (at least along the public lines).As long as you made it a clear statement it is perfect___If it becomes a fight    there should be a winner____And the win has no more to do with right   or wrong ____it is a gamble.All this please keep to yourself and let me know the further    developments____I received the 300 francs which I gave to Madeleine___Many  thanks.And now get ready for your trip___AffecteusementDee