4

Woodrow Wilson TLS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Woodrow Wilson TLS
"WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AFTER THE AUCTION ENDS BY THE AUCTIONEER ONCE ALL BIDS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED TO DETERMINE THE WINNER FOR EACH LOT."
Historically important typed letter signed by Woodrow Wilson shortly after he left office regarding Supreme Allied Commander Marshall Ferdinand Foch. Wilson gives his forthright, unfavorable opinion about Foch, which is striking as Foch was widely considered a most able and effective commander responsible for winning World War I. Dated 25 April 1921 upon Wilson's personal stationery, letter reads in full, ''My dear Mr. [Hamilton] Holt [President of Rollins College]: I do not think it would be wise for me to comment on your suggestion regarding Marshall Foch, because I was entirely disillusioned about him while I was in France. He proved himself in the Peace negotiations the most difficult obstacle to a peaceful settlement. Some day I hope I may in conversation give you full information to what I refer. Suffice it to say for the present that he is the leader of the militaristic and imperialistic elements in France which are bent upon reversing the Alsace-Lorraine business in the Ruhr District. For the moment they are the worst enemies of the peace of the world. Personally I could not receive Marshall Foch. With kindest regards and regret I cannot help out in this matter; Cordially and faithfully yours, Woodrow Wilson''. Letter is accompanied by a return reply from Holt to Wilson thanking him for writing ''so frankly…what you say is an entirely new point of view to me.'' Holt had written Wilson for comments upon Holt's favorable editorial of Foch, which had been published in ''The Independent.'' In this editorial, Holt went so far in his praise of Foch to suggest that the United States grant him a tract of land as she had done for French General Lafayette after the Revolutionary War. Lot also includes a letter from Holt dated 1931 referencing Wilson's letter, explaining that ''When Marshall Foch visited Washington, he called on Wilson, but he was not received. The papers said the next morning it was because Wilson was too ill. Wilson's letter, however, gives undoubtedly the real reason.'' All three letters in very good condition; Wilson's single page letter measures 7'' x 9.5'', with some creasing and minute foxing. Wilson's full signature is bold and clear. A fascinating letter by President Wilson, providing new insight into post WWI European and American tension, which would inextricably build to the breaking point of World War II less than twenty years later.