signed unbound
1947 · Oxford
by MURRAY, Gilbert (1866 - 1949)
Oxford, 1947. unbound. 2 pages (front and back) on embossed letterhead, 5.5 x 7 inches, Oxford, December 27, 1947. Written to powerful New York attorney Frederic R. Coudert, in part: "...The European situation is really alarming, but I think war can be prevented if only your country and mine do not make for the third time the same mistake: I mean, first encouraging the aggressor by saying that nothing will induce us to fight, and then being forced to fight after all. I do hope our two countries will stand firmly together. I once saw an Italian War Office report which laid down that 'it is madness under modern conditions for any nation to make war upon an antagonist of approximately equal strength.' I think that is perfectly true and is cardinal League of Nations, or United Nations, doctrine. If only Russia can be warned beforehand!" Faint paperclip stains in the upper left corner of the first page; near fine condition. British classical scholar who participated in drafting the charter of the League of Nations, later serving as its chairman (1923 - 1938).
(Inventory #: 266225)