Lot 155
Nimitz, Chester W (1885-1966) Fleet Admiral and Commander of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific in World War II; he received the Japanese surrender.
Autograph letter signed as Fleet Admiral, 2pp, 10 x 8", Berkeley, California, June 11, 1958, with a nine-page typed speech marked "Confidential" twice, which Nimitz intended to give before the House Armed Services Committee, containing extensive holograph additions. Both the letter and the speech were sent to noted journalist Robert R. Gros. The letter says, in part, "…I enclose a copy of the statement which I had prepared for Vinson's committee but did not use because I was not called. However, I may be called before the Senate Armed Forces Committee and so will use it. I am grateful that you will hold the paper secure. You are free, however, to help yourself to such of the ideas expressed if you believe in them…."
The typed manuscript discusses the new weapons available and states his belief that each of the armed services should remain independent and have the tools it needs to perform its essential functions, and that research pertaining to weapons and their use should be the responsibility of a civilian director, with each service being allowed to continue applied research in weapons and methods peculiar to that service. "…I am one of those 'obtuse admirals' who believes that if we should unfortunately engage in World War III in the predictable future…we will use many of the methods and in considerable part the same weapons, greatly improved of course, that we used in World War II…." An entire page of holograph notes on the verso of page 1 of the speech, he notes, "…My great concern is that during all the experimentation now going on with missiles of all kinds, none of which have as yet proved themselves at long (over 200-300 miles) range, we will neglect the proved weapons of World War II. While there have been great advances, there have been only a few changes. Even the atom powered submarine has only a few improvements. It is a steam turbine driven ship with a reactor furnishing heat instead of a boiler. The British had steam driven subs in World War I, and long before that the Turks had a small steam driven sub." A remarkable speech by one of the greatest naval commanders in U.S. history.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $720 |
