TLS, one page, 6 x 8, Supreme Headquarters. Allied Expeditionary Force letterhead, February 21, 1944. Letter of thanks to a lady in New Zealand. In part: “The cake you sent me last September…just reached me here…I bear willing witness to the excellence of the cake, as I had guests for luncheon and we immediately sampled it. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than the constantly accumulating evidence that the United Nations are really a unit in this war. Receipt of a gift such as yours, coming half way around the world, from a citizen of your great country is a heart-warming experience. I am glad to echo your sentiments in hoping for a speedy victory over our enemies.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Some scattered light creases and wrinkles, and a small tear near right edge, otherwise fine condition.
Public relations, rather than a five-month-old pastry, probably motivated Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower to write this note. During the previous week, New Zealand troops took heavy casualties in the disastrous battle for Cassino, Italy. The action was part of a desperate push to gain the Liri Valley and march on to Rome following the Americans’ failed attack on Anzio.
On February 15, hopeful of supporting a ground attack on Cassino, the Allies bombed the historic Monte Cassino monastery. This decision remained controversial long after the war ended. In the ensuing days, New Zealand forces attacked points throughout the town, but were ultimately forced to withdraw. Tragically, the rubble left from the Allied bombing provided the Germans with better defenses. Cassino did not fall to the Allies until May.
Given Ike’s canny political skills, the note is undoubtedly more calculated than a simple thank-you for a snack. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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