TLS signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, blind-stamped personal letterhead, August 15, 1950. Letter to Miss Florence Baldwin, National Citizen’s Committee for United Nations Day. In full: “I received your letter of August 14th. I am ready to testify that the United Nations represent my only hope in the attempt to overcome the present dangerous international situation. On the other hand, I cannot approve everything the United Nations have done and have omitted to do. There are also implications in the proposed statement which are, in my opinion, disadvantageous for a peaceful solution of the present crisis. I am alluding to the passus ‘The support of the U.N. by the world’s free people can avert a World War.’ The Nations who have to collaborate in a peaceful solution are not only the ‘free people.’ Such expression is a subtle form for the exclusion of as part of the members of the U.N., the collaboration of whom is indispensable for the achievement of the goal. For those reason I am unable to sign the statement you have submitted to me.” In fine condition, with a bit of light edge toning, and a crease to the lower right corner area.
Accompanied by several carbons of correspondence from Baldwin to Einstein attempting to convince him to take part in the project:
On August 14, 1950, Baldwin wrote Einstein, in part, “We are working towards the wider observance of United Nations Day. As you may know, President Truman has proclaimed its observance in the United States on October 24th…We would be very honored if we might include your statement as indicated in the attached tentative copy and layout, as an inspiration to everyone to support the UN and to encourage all those who are working with the tremendous problems which confront the world.” Baldwin included an 8 x 10.5 proposed layout headed by a photograph of Einstein “Albert Einstein says ‘The support of the United Nations by the world’s free peoples can avert a World War.”
Baldwin replied on to Einstein’s letter on August 23rd enclosing Eleanor Roosevelt’s statement and a revised statement for Einstein: “The best hope to avert a World War is the support of the United Nations by peace-loving people everywhere.”
On August 31, 1950, Baldwin went to Princeton and hand delivered a letter to his office: “Because we are nearing our deadline for the United Nations Day page, I have come down to Princeton, hoping you would be kind enough to see me, - perhaps we may talk over and revise the statement to your satisfaction.” On the retained carbon of this letter is a penciled “He refused.” On the retained carbon of the August 23rd letter, in pencil “I saw him Aug 31 in Princeton. He refused.”
Collection housed in custom red half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped black leather title labels in four compartments on spine with six raised bands.
Einstein continues his stance that all world superpowers must work together to avoid mutual annihilation, and refuses to participate in any campaign based on exclusion. In February 1950, Einstein first warned that a nuclear war—a growing threat in the post-war world—could lead to the world’s destruction. With tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union ongoing, a situation complicated by the start of the Korean War in June 1950, Einstein implores the UN to bring Soviet leaders to the table in order to have peace. As noted, prior to this correspondence, UN leaders wanted to quote Einstein as having said, ‘The support of the U.N. by the world’s free people can avert a World War.’ Einstein counters, “The Nations who have to collaborate in a peaceful solution are not only the ‘free people.’ Such expression is a subtle form for the exclusion of as part of the members of the U.N., the collaboration of whom is indispensable for the achievement of the goal.” His refusal to sign the statement as worded, coupled with his refusal to meet with a UN representative and support of political causes some saw as ‘radical,’ would draw Einstein into the ‘un-American’ hysteria of the 1950s. A great example of the strong stance wielded by Einstein in the fight toward world peace. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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