Description:

Kurt Waldheim
New York, NY, January 13, 1977
Kurt Waldheim United Nations Retirement Letter to Suzanne Forgues, 1977
TLS
Fine content typed letter signed as United Nations Secretary-General, New York, January 13, 1977. Waldheim writes in French on United Nations letterhead to Suzanne Forgues, praising her work in the Translation Division. Boldly signed at conclusion, with numerous holograph emendations throughout adding appropriate French accents agues. Two pages, 8.5" x 11". Staple holes at top left, otherwise near fine.

In part: "…As you prepare to leave the Secretariat upon your retirement, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the unique contribution you have made to fulfilling the organization's linguistic communication mission.

"It would take too long to recount here the details of your remarkable career, from the time of Church Center [for the United Nations], over 30 years ago, until now, when you were entrusted with the greatest responsibility in the Secretariat's Translation Division. Let me, however, say that your career is proof of competence and dedication, integrity, the willingness to take on responsibilities, and the adaptability necessary to manage a department which has grown admirably under your guidance. You are leaving the Secretariat with the assurance that you have played a central role in building a translation service respected by all, whether within the Secretariat or among the delegations we serve, known both for the quality of its work and its ability to meet the essential demands often placed upon it in difficult conditions.

"Finally, I particularly wish, on behalf of those who worked closely with you during the formative years of the Secretariat, to pay homage to the personal qualities of honesty, fairness, and friendship…".

Kurt Waldheim (1918-2007) was an Austrian diplomat and statesman who served two terms as the fourth secretary-general of the United Nations, from 1972 to 1981. He was the elected president of Austria from 1986 to 1992 after much controversy concerning his actions under Nazi occupation. During the 1970s, however, Waldheim oversaw massive humanitarian efforts in South America, Africa and the Middle East and was known for his hard work, conscientiousness, efficiency and reliability.

Suzanne Forgues was a French diplomat and Director of the Translation Division at the U.N. She also served on the National Council of Women and International Council of Women.

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: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: TLS

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