Being very talented and with a magnetic personality, it is not surprising that Hazrat Inayat Khan made many acquaintances when he came to the West. Among these was the Dutch exotic dancer Mata Hari – the stage name of Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle). Mata Hari had a long affair with the founder of the Musée Guimet in Paris, where Inayat and his brothers gave performances, and it seems likely that this was how they came to know each other. The letter below was sent just two days before the outbreak of World War I, and little more than three years later Mata Hari would meet her end in front of a French firing squad, executed for alleged espionage. The letter is presented as it was written, and we hope that readers can follow the meaning.

Hotel Cumberland, Berlin
Sunday – 26 Juli 1914

Dear Inayat Khan,

Can you coming hier whit the boys midden august? about the 15th? I thinking that we can make hier a great work, but only togader. To many woman give hier a verry bead imitation of Indian dances!

My situation is fixed hier for six monds. I would be have my home and I will give a afternoon to presenting you to the important papers.

I think that you must given only lectures and playing whit me for select people but you not to the stage, “only prived”. That is payed better and yours name and reputation as Soufi must never be used for a stage.

That war sorry.

The boys can be engaged to the stage.

My director is coming home the 1st or the 4th august and subitly I will speak to him from an engagement for the boys.

I hoped Inayat that you understand me well. I mean that you moist be and lifs hier as a religious apparition and given yours lectures in English.

Wenn I danced in a realy Indian costume the dance of the Princess and the magic flower.

          Good baye and good luck.
          Yours
                    Mata Hari