Lot 1356
Schweitzer, Dr. Albert (1875-1965) Physician, theologian, and concert organist; won Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. An extraordinary Autograph Letter Signed twice, once at the end and once in the return address, Lambaréné, Gabon, Oct. 29, 1961, 4pp, quarto. In French, with translation. To Saturday Review editor Norman Cousins, who was deeply involved with the issue of nuclear disarmament. In part: "I cannot do what you ask of me. I did not insist that Khrushchev not take up testing again, and I did not condemn him publicly (although in my heart I condemn him absolutely). I cannot demand of Kennedy by telegram not to take up testing in turn. In America people would say that I, a foreigner…want to influence the President of the U.S. My role is to make appeals to enlighten public opinion in all countries…and to tell them what must be done to avoid war and arrive at peace….the resumption of nuclear testing above ground was the temptation to which East and West would succumb….It is deplorable….We are sinking even deeper in inhumanity….public opinion throughout the world takes the dangers of nuclear radiation lightly….I hope that America will begin to listen to us and let you lead it down the path to reason and humanity. The hour is…graver than ever in the history of humanity. So let us struggle…." Much more terrific content. Fine.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
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| Realized $840 |
