From: DANERUD MARTIN <martin.danerud <at> TELIA <dot> COM>
Date: 28 may 2000
Subject: My conclusion

Dear Masui-san,

>I have no objection to work together for the best of world shogi friends.
>This is why we, New York Shogi Club members stood up to take initiative of the Shogi World
>Championship.
>We wish all of you to support this championship to reach to the real championship if you still think it
>is not and if there are some to improve it.
>In this regards, I highly appreciate the comment made by Larry Kaufman to the system of the tournament
>although I have a different opinion. We will listen to any constructive opinion to the further success
>of the Shogi World Championship as we believe this is a great contribution to the shogi world.


It seems a little unfortunate that the two of us ran into 
this fierce debate, since we seem to basically share
the same views about shogi. I agree with you that the
chosen system of the New York tournament was OK.
I think that Larry´s proposal with one round of handicap
games against pros that would count in the tournament
is not good in a tournament like this. Anyway, it is important
to have meaningful games for those who are knocked out
of the tournament at an early stage. Personally, I very much 
appreciate your efforts with the New York tournament.

>I had no intention to make any personal attack to you unless I read the unfortunate statement made by
>you against Japanese and their culture.
>Let me ask you my last question. Do you still stand by your statement made on the previous one?
>You wrote,
>Quote"But basically (and I think to some extent correctly) they do not trust us" Unquote.


No, I do not stand by this statement taken out of its context.
But as I said, the meaning was just to quote those numerous
Japanese people who have expressed concern that shogi
must not be changed in a situation where there is a world 
shogi organisation. And as I also said, I agree with them, 
since I do not want to violate the traditions of shogi either.
Since we now seem to agree on almost everything let us be
good friends and work together for the best of shogi!

                                    Best regards,

                                    Martin