Reply #10: ......and here too [View All]

[dipsydoodle]

Molina pointed out that as the collection technically belonged to a foundation, there was little the Spanish government could do about it.

"The painting was acquired legitimately by the foundation in 1993, along with the rest of the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection," the museum said in a recent statement. "The foundation has been the peaceful owner of the picture ever since its purchase and has exhibited it permanently, so there can be no question of its ownership."

With Spanish courts unlikely to force the museum to give up the painting, embassy officials at one stage asked Spain's cultural policies director, Guillermo Corral, whether there might be some "creative solution".

"Spain is sensitive to the family's claim, Corral said, but does not believe it can legally negotiate compensation," the embassy reported. "It might, however, be able to make gestures to the family and to the Los Angeles Jewish community. The government could, for example, organise and fund travel to Spain and cultural exchanges to promote mutual understanding and appreciation while giving due recognition to the Cassirer family."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/08/wikileaks-us-spain-treasure-art