760907 - Letter to Radhaballabha from Harikesa

Vrndavana,

September 7, 1976

From: Harikesa

Los Angeles

Dear Radhaballabha Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. I just wanted to mention that there was a great difficulty for me when you sent those tapes and films. 1st – How do you expect me to prove to customs that I am Harikesa Swami? They did not accept this although we tried so many maneuvers. 2nd – Who do you expect to pay the 120% customs and the 100% penalty? We were assessed at $450 because there was no invoice, and if we wanted these things we have to pay 220% on that. Do you think this is practical? Luckily we were able to maneuver that this was unaccompanied baggage yet it has to go now on the passport of someone. This means no tapes or films can be sent back until all of them are used—otherwise duty has to be paid. Can you just imagine what a headache this has caused—and so much wastage of time and money. Please only send things with devotees who come regularly by air. You can inform Jayatirtha in Lon[don] that whenever someone comes that is going to India to let you know and then supply him. (I need 2 batteries for the minolta—PKS left it ’on’ and its finished now!

Harikesa Swami