London, 18 April 1870  
Dear Friends!

About a fortnight ago, the Executive Committee of the Amalgamated Engineers finally invited the General Council of the International Working Men’s Association to send delegates to discuss the question of direct connection with the metalworkers in Germany and the mechanics in the Park. — They now request, before taking a decision with regard to you, that the following questions be answered: 1) Number of hours of labour per day? 2) How many working days in the week? Is Sunday work carried on? 3) Amount of wages? 4) Is overtime paid? and how much? 5) Number of members? 6) What is your weekly contribution? 7) Are sick benefit funds &c. connected with the trade union? 8) What branches of trade belong to the trade union?

With fraternal greetings,
Karl Marx.