[MSN] Italian American Police Society Condemns Getty

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

To Whom It May Concern,
    This letter has been sent to the Getty Museum by our organization.

William Schievella, President
Italian American Police Society of New Jersey
www.iapsnj.org



We at the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey (IAPSNJ) condemn
the Getty's recent decision to break off negotiations with the Italian
Ministry of Culture. The Getty possesses multiple treasures from antiquity
that the Italian government insists were looted from Italy or transferred
out of the country without the proper government documentation. The
Italian government backs its claims with solid evidence that was gathered
over ten years of investigations conducted by the Italian Carabinieri's
Tutela Patrimonio Culturale, a specialized art crimes investigative unit.


The IAPSNJ has an excellent relationship and the up most respect for the
Italian  police and Carabinieri. We are disheartened to learn that the
Getty Museum is not being cooperative with the Carabinieri and Italian
Ministry of Culture. We fully support the Italian Carabinieri and their
efforts to fight cultural crimes that are being committed against their
nation.



It is no longer acceptable for U.S. institutions to possess cultural
property that was looted and smuggled out of other nations. We as U.S.
police officials abhor the violation of laws, regardless of what nation
the crime is being committed in. Our educational and cultural
institutions, which actually represent our nation's image on an
international scale, are ran by our wealthiest, most influential citizens
who should adhere to exemplary codes of conduct in their business
transactions and uphold images of integrity and honor.



We at IAPSNJ respectfully request that the Getty Museum give the proper
respect to Minister Rutelli, return to the negotiating table immediately, 
and repatriate Italy's art treasures to her shores.




William Schievella, President
Italian American Police Society of New Jersey