This letter contained here is the most recent, and perhaps most interesting, addition to the series of letters where terms of the World Championship Match in Elista were negotiated and clarified. In it, FIDE President Kirsan Iljumzhinov confirms receipt of a fax from Grandmaster Kamsky that Kamsky will play in the Elista Match. Additionally, Iljumzhinov states that neither player will receive draw odds, resolving an issue that had been the subject of much speculation by obersvers.

The letter is part of a rapid flurry of correspondence that took place amongst the various parties on 4 and 5 May. Preceding items were:

• Letter from FIDE President Iljumzhinov to GM Gata Kamsky continuing negotiations;
• Letter from Iljumzhinov to GM Gata Kamsky listing prospective Chief Arbiters;
• Letter from USCF President Barry asks Iljumzhinov asking for further clarification;

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Moscow, 5 May 1996

Mr Gata Kamsky
New York
Fax: [withheld]

Dear Mr Kamsky

1. I am in receipt of your letter dated 4 May 1996 in response to my letter dated same. I understand that you have agreed to play the World Championship in Elista starting 5 June 1996.

2. We shall provide you security 24 hours a day if you wish and I am glad that you have informed me that Mr. Makarov shall help you concerning the Russian Government.

3. I shall assist your representative, Mr. Roustam Kamsky, to obtain his visa at the Russian Consulate on Monday, 6 May 1996. Please provide me the date of birth and the passport number of his travel document. His air ticket shall be arranged for 7 May 1996. I shall arrange for his personal transportation from Moscow to Elista with appropriate security and a personal guide upon his arrival in Moscow until his departure back to New York.

4. A special commission to inspect the place and conditions of the Match shall be organized with the Russian Chess Federation.

5. Mr Roustam Kamsky shall be provided the financial document regarding the World Championship Match and the prize fund of US$1,100,000 has already been confirmed. He shall be given a copy of the bank guarantee for the prize fund. He shall also be given the detailed answers regarding commercial and television rights.

6. The technical details of the Match are as per regulations of the World Championship. There shall be no draw odds to any of the players. You have assured us that your representative has the right to sign the Match Contract on you behalf.

7. Once again, we assure you that your representative shall be safe upon his arrival in Moscow until his departure to New York.

Yours Sincerely,

[signed K. Iljumzhinov]

KIRSAN N ILJUMZHINOV
FIDE President