Dear and Honoured Friend,
Following the death of Professor Helmert, the post of director of the Potsdam Institute of Geodesy is vacant. The Academy, University and Ministry are responsible for finding a successor. Several of my colleagues have asked me to obtain an objective opinion from someone who is eminent in this field. It seems to me honoured Colleague, that you are the only person whose opinion carries sufficient weight in this matter. It is for this reason that I am requesting you to advise us.
Without wishing to prejudice your view to the smallest degree, I would be grateful if you could include in your assessment the following gentlemen:
Schumann (Vienna)
Wiechert (Göttingen)
Krüger (Potsdam)
Kohlschütter (Potsdam)
Schweydar (Potsdam)
since they have already attracted the attention of the authorities. Observations on the scientific suitability of the last three would be welcome, even if they cannot be considered for the post.
I anticipate your highly esteemed answer with the greatest possible interest, and remain your very devoted
Einstein
Haberland str. 5.
Berlin-Schöneberg