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Temples for Dollars. To coax more contributions, Egyptian Culture Minister Abdel Kader Hatem is offering ancient art works, even whole temples, in return for contributions toward the salvation of Abu Simbel. Nothing so vulgar as a price list has been published, and only governments or large and dignified institutions may apply. Five temples are on the bargain counter. Three of them: Dendur, dedicated by Caesar Augustus to two drowned heroes; Dabod. built by a Nubian king; and Taffeh, built during the Roman period, have already been dismantled and moved to safe, high ground. The other two: Ellesya, built by Thutmosis III 3,500 years ago, and Derr, built by Ramses II, are, like Abu Simbel. cut from rock. They must be pried loose from the cliff before they can be moved. A group of Italian institutions is reportedly interested in Ellesya, and the U.S. has cast envious eyes at Derr. The city of Indio, Calif., would like to transport the temple to the Egypt-like desert of the Coachella Valley.
As they discuss the final fate of threatened Abu Simbel, the U.S. and other countries still show no sense of urgency. Even if the water starts rising on schedule in 1964. there will be time left for some kind of action. A simple, cheap cofferdam can protect the temple temporarily while last-minute efforts are made to save it.