Description:

Ben-Gurion Defends the Sovereignty of the Knesset While Embroiled in the Lavon Affair

Typed Letter Signed, "D. Ben-Gurion," in Hebrew, 1p, 6.5" x 7", March 8, 1961, addressed to Ephraim Tzoref. Folds, punch holes for filing, tape at upper margin and tape residue, all in blank areas on recto. Very good condition with a bold Ben-Gurion signature over four inches in length.

The letter translates as follows: "I understand your distress but no need to exaggerate. The 'bad spirits' which overtook the public following organized gossip - will pass. / There was no need for early elections but the Knesset is sovereign and we have to accept its decisions with love. The people will decide."

The resurgence of the Lavon Affair in 1960, was brought about by the trial of Avri Elad, who was accused of being an Egyptian double agent in what was called the "Lavon Affair" or "Regrettable Affair". Lavon, originally accused of giving the order for a poorly conceived covert operation in Egypt that resulted in the capture, torture and death of several Israeli agents and greatly embarrassed the State of Israel, was acquitted by a Commission of Seven in December 1960. Lavon insisted Ben-Gurion absolve Elad of all suspicion. Ben-Gurion refused to do so, and insisted Lavon (who had been Defense Minister at the time of the covert operation) be removed from his post as Secretary General of the Histadrut. According to the Knesset Government website, "A no-confidence motion on this matter was rejected in January 1961, but growing criticism of Ben-Gurion from coalition member parties...led to his resignation. His attempt to form a new government failed, and Mapai's refusal to present a different candidate for the post brought forward the elections. The Knesset approved its dispersal on March 13th 1961. Elections were held five months later... [This] Fifth Knesset officiated for a little more than four years, during which three governments were formed - the 10th through 12th Governments. The Tenth Government was the last government headed by David Ben-Gurion, who...resigned for the final time...feeling he had lost the trust of his fellow friends in the matter of the 'Lavon Affair.'" (http://knesset.gov.il/review/ReviewPage.aspx?lng=3&KNS=5)

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

August 26, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000