Description:

FDR Appoints Envoy to Pope to Handle Nazi Persecution of Jews Leading Up to WWII

A typed letter signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, concerning an appointment of an Envoy to the Pope to tackle Nazi Persecution of Jewish people and others. 1p, measuring 7" x 8.75", Washington, D.C., dated January 4, 1940. Signed "Franklin D Roosevelt" and addressed to Frederic R. Coudert, Esq. on White House letterhead. Reading in full: "I received your letter through the good hands of your brother-in-law and I want to thank you very much for the sentiments expressed therein regarding the appointment of Myron Taylor. I agree with you fully as to his qualifications. I hope and expect that something beneficial to us all will develop from this peace effort." With flattened mail folds, light edge soiling, and adhesive residue at the upper left corner. Large and bold signature.

Myron C. Taylor (1874-1959) was an American industrialist and key geopolitical diplomat during and after the Second World War. Prior to WWII, Taylor was elected chairman and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel. In 1938, he was selected to represent the United States at the Évian Conference in France, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt arranged to discuss the issue of increasing numbers of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. While Taylor was unsuccessful in gaining concessions on immigration, the proposal to create the Intergovernmental Committee on Refugees was approved. On December 23, 1939 (just under two weeks before this letter was sent), Roosevelt appointed Taylor to serve as his personal enjoy to Pope Pius XII - a position he would hold until 1950. In this role, Taylor was influential in limiting the bombing of Rome in 1943-44, persuading Spanish dictator Francisco Franco not to join the Axis powers, and lobbying for an Allied military base to be established in neutral Portugal. For his service, he was named a Knight of the Order of Pope Pius IX and on December 20, 1948, President Truman awarded him the Medal for Merit: one of the highest civilian decorations of the U.S. awarded to civilians for exceptionally meritorious conduct.

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.

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