Russian Communist leader who, with Lenin, organized the Bolshevik seizure of power during the October Revolution of 1917. In 1929, after Lenin’s death, Stalin defeated Trotsky for control of the Communist party and banished him from Russia. Trotsky spent most of the remainder of his life in Mexico, where he was assassinated in 1940. TLS, one page, 8.25 x 10.75, March 31, 1938. Trotsky writes to Mr. Wechsler from his exile in Coyoacan, Mexico. In full: “During the last few weeks my American friends have made a great effort in order to safe-guard my existence and that of my wife and collaborators here in Coyoacan against the threat from the G.P.U. [the Stalinist secret police]. The discoveries of the Swiss and French police, now published in the press of both countries show that the danger is not imaginary. That is the reason why I have accepted the assistance of my American friends. They write me that you were generous as always in assuring the possibility of emergency measures. I thank you heartily in my own name and that of my wife and I send my respectful greetings to Madam Wechsler.” A few light creases and tiny edge tears, otherwise fine, clean condition. Though Trotsky would escape Stalinist reprisals for another two years, his seeming paranoia was well founded; two years later, on August 21, 1940LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
