Description:

Herbert Hoover
Washington, DC, March 8, 1930
Herbert Hoover LS as President Drafted to Jewish Relief Campaign Leader on Day of Taft's Death
LS

A 2pp draft letter signed by the President in pencil as "Herbert Hoover" at conclusion of page 2. On the reverse of White House letterhead, 6.25" x 9.25", Washington, D.C., March 8, 1930. Addressed to Felix M. Warburg of the Allied Jewish Relief Campaign, the President sends his regrets at not being able to welcome the organization to Washington and praises Warburg for his humanitarian work. Exhibits areas of scattered pencil smudging throughout body of text, with single vertical fold passing through one letter of Hoover's signature. Else, very good.

In part:
"I understand that you and your colleagues of many years are gathered here in Washington to take counsel among yourself for the continuance of the great and unselfish work in which you have been so long engaged and in the course which of so much devotion and so many millions have been expended.
The sad circumstances of the last few hours which have plunged the nation into mourning make it impossible for me to welcome you other than with these lines.
I can only repeat what I have often said to you before that the work which you have done, apart from its evident humanitarian aspects, is a large contribution to the cause of good-will between peoples. History will properly appraise your efforts for posterity- the commendation of your own consciences for today."

Hoover had intended to personally greet the 800 Jewish representatives convening in Washington to form an allied campaign that would raise $6 million for reconstruction in Eastern Europe and for use in Palestine. However, the death of former President William Howard Taft on March 8th halted all White House social functions and public appearances in observance of his memory.

Felix Moritz Warburg (1871-1937) was a German-born American banker who served as an important leader of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee established to help European Jews in the period leading up to, and especially during, the Great Depression. He was much more interested in his charitable work than banking however, and notably gave money to help aid Jews fleeing Germany after Hitler seized power in the mid-1930s.

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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  • Dimensions: 6.25" x 9.25"
  • Medium: LS

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