Description:

Two Ben-Gurion handwritten letters in English, one expressing his disagreement with Moshe Sharett, most likely regarding the re-investigation of the Lavon affair, the other expressing appreciation for a gift - a book on the History of Zionism

DAVID BEN GURION (1886-1973) Autograph Letter Signed, "D. Ben-Gurion" in English, 1p, 5" x 8.5" on his lined pad, perforated at the right, Tel-Aviv, December 1, 1964. To Mrs. Mark Gerald. Fine condition. In full, "Dear Mrs. Gerald / I read your letter to Mr. Sharett, and I must confess I don't agree with you. / I am terribly sorry I cannot find the drawing you left with me in Hotel Sharon. / Perhaps it is in Sdeh Boker; I am returning there next week, and if I find it there - it will be immediately sent you with my thanks. / Yours, / D. Ben-Gurion", The disagreement with Moshe Sharett was about who was responsible for what was called The Lavon Affair. The Lavon affair refers to a failed Israeli covert operation, code named Operation Susannah, conducted in Egypt in the Summer of 1954, so named after the Israeli Defense Minister, Pinhas Lavon. Ben-Gurion blamed him for the fiasco and forced his dismissal. Lavon was exonerated by the Israeli cabinet in 1960, but in 1964, Ben-Gurion claimed to have new evidence against Lavon and demanded the government reopen the investigation. Moshe Sharett defended Lavon and ultimately Ben-Gurion lost the battle and retired from government to live in relative obscurity.

Autograph Letter Signed " D. Ben-Gurion" in English, 1p, 5" x 8.5", on his lined pad, perforated at the right. To Dr. Celina Sokolow, London, England. Light paper clip rust stain in upper left. Fine condition. In full, "Dearest Dr. Celina Sokolow I am most greatful [sic] for sending me your father's History of Zionisme in one volum. This is the best book on the History of Zionism. It should be translated in to Hebrew. With the best wishes."

Nahum Sokolow (1859-1936) was a prolific author and translator. He was the first to translate Herzl's utopian novel " Altneuland" (1902) into Hebrew, titling it " Tel Aviv," literally, "An Ancient Hill of Spring." In 1909, the name was chosen for the new suburb of Jaffa. Sokolow's " History of Zionism: 1600-1918" was published in 1919. Sokolow served as President of the World Zionist Congress from 1931-1935; Ben-Gurion was President from 1946-1956. Celina Sokolow (1886-1984) was her father's secretary for many years.

After serving in Israel's Knesset since February 14, 1949, Ben-Gurion retired on May 27, 1970.

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