ALS in Hebrew, one page, 6 x 8, Government Center letterhead, March 29, 1955. Ben-Gurion, as Minister of Defense, writes to Yosef Efrati, Deputy Minister of Agriculture. In full (translated): “Prior to coming to Israel I read about the citrus plantations of Montefiore, and of Mikve-Yisrael and Petach-Tivka of Stempfer and Solomon; I envied them that they were privileged for some that no other Jew will merit—to be the first. When I arrived in Israel I realized that the first chapter did not end: au contraire, it almost did not begin—empty and desolate parcels of land are waiting to be redeemed by the new immigrants that are arriving. It is our obligation to increase the settlements in the Negev in order to strengthen our security….” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (vertical fold touching paraph; separations reinforced from front and reverse with tape staining visible behind text, two marginal file holes, and tiny edge tears. The writing is clear and dark throughout. RRAuction COA.
