Interesting. Unique. Important. We would spare no superlatives in describing this magnificent piece—there’s just not enough room. Dated December 21, 1965, this missive is one in a series of famous letters sent by Emperor Hirohito (1901–1989) to Rene Barrientos, President of the Military Council of the Government of the Republic of Bolivia. Originating directly from the Bolivian government, the correspondence was doubtless filed away with the utmost diligence. (A mild shade of toning, few light impressions, and a pair of punch holes along a fold, otherwise fine condition.) It boldly displays Hirohito’s signature at the conclusion of the note, after which the Emperor added his large “chop.” The document is also countersigned by the President of the Council of Ministers, Eisaku Sato, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Etsusaburo Shiina. Each of these important signatures attests to the contents of the official note, which reads in part: “The important mission of Mr. Eiji Kawasaki is at an end, the Japanese government having recalled him, whom it had accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary …” It is uncertain whether Kawasaki was withdrawn in response to Barrientos’ rise to power after a military coup, or if the objective was simply to reassign the former ambassador. The letter, written entirely in Japanese, is accompanied by a French translation, and a transmittal document that was also written in Japanese. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
