King of England (1894–1972) from January to December 1936, at which time he abdicated the throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Warfield Simpson. DS as king, signed “Edward RI,” one page, 18.5 x 13.5, March 7, 1936. A document approving the appointment of George Wadsworth by the President of the U.S. as American Consul General at Jerusalem, Palestine, with jurisdiction also in Transjordan. Countersigned by Anthony Eden as foreign secretary. Accompanied by Wadsworth’s original certificate of appointment to the post, 23 x 19, December 10, 1935, signed in facsimile by Franklin D. Roosevelt as president and Cordell Hull as secretary of state. At the time the document was signed, Palestine was still under British Imperial rule, thus necessitating the reigning British sovereign’s approval of diplomatic appointments to that region. Intersecting folds and light soiling and toning to left third of document (touching signature but not affecting legibility), and mild handling wear, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
